Sliema could win their 26th title this afternoon

While Valletta and Birkirkara are under pressure from Hibernians to win their clashes today against Floriana and Sliema Wanderers respectively, Edward Aquilina’s Blues could win their 26th title in the club’s illustrious history if they win this afternoon.

The Blues would even clinch the title if Valletta fail to win the first match on today’s card against Floriana and they simply draw their match against Birkirkara. Only if Birkirkara beat Sliema will the Blues have to wait at least another week before claiming the title, for the Stripes would reduce the gap to six points with two matches remaining. That means that Birkirkara, to win the title themselves, would then have to win their remaining two matches and Sliema lose theirs for a decider between the two clubs to become necessary to determine the issue.

Of course, one has to consider all the ifs mentioned above. Mathematically, Sliema are not yet champions for a third successive time, but as things stand so far, and with the Blues being so superior over all the others especially in efficiency and consistency, it is evident that the major interest lies in the battle for the second place which means an automatic berth in next year’s UEFA Cup.

Hibernians did themselves a world of good by moving into second place on Thursday evening after defeating Marsaxlokk comfortably 3-0. That win pushed them to one point over Valletta and two over Birkirkara, but the latter two clubs have today’s match in hand. And that is why they are both under pressure to win today’s commitment.

Valletta have a very tough job ahead of them. Apart from having lost their last match against Hibernians 2-0, Valletta suffered another setback in midweek when it was confirmed that goalie Sean Sullivan and star striker Gilbert Agius will both miss today’s match through suspension.

The absence of Agius is bound to leave its mark on this Valletta side which, in the Championship Pool, has failed to maintain the momentum it had built in the second round of the first phase, when they appeared to be serious title contenders.

If the citizens fail today against the Greens, it will become even more difficult for them to make it to the second place – their last two encounters are against Sliema and Birkirkara. To win both those matches will not be an easy task.

On their part, the Greens have nothing to lose. But having the incentive of playing on the eve of the feast of the city suburb’s patron saint, St Publius, tomorrow, it is obvious that they will probably give the Whites a good run for their money.

But Floriana, despite having a good bunch of promising youngsters in the side, have showed that they lack a good striker to conclude the openings they create, as was the case against Sliema and Birkirkara.

In the second match, Birkirkara and Sliema should offer some interesting rivalry again on the terraces with the Stripes looking for a victory in their final push for that second placing. They are certainly aware that if they overcome this obstacle, they will become favourites as they have what looks like the easiest programme till the end of the campaign.

Hibs still have to face Floriana and Sliema, Valletta have to play against Sliema and Birkirkara, while Birkirkara play against Marsaxlokk and Valletta.

As already said, Sliema have the advantage of knowing what they would need when starting this afternoon’s match. If Valletta win, they know they also have to win to assure themselves of the title. If the citizens draw or lose against Floriana, then a draw against Birkirkara will be enough for Sliema to clinch their 26th title.