It sounds to be another big battle this evening between champions Sliema Wanderers and their main rivals Birkirkara, who clinched second place at the weekend.
They meet this evening (kick off 7.30pm) at the Ta’ Qali national stadium in the first semi-final – a match which will probably be enthralling all the way. Simply because neither team is after a place in European football this time.
They will absolutely have no pressure except that, of course, of winning the second major honour in local football.
As is already known Sliema, as champions, have booked their place in next season’s Champions League, while Birkirkara, as the second placed in the League, have also assured themselves of a berth in next season’s UEFA Cup.
Both side’s intentions are already known. Sliema, on one side, are eager to repeat last year’s memorable double.
On the other hand, only a Trophy victory will compensate Birkirkara after their disappointment at having missed out on yet another championship title.
Both sides have been the best two outfits this season with Sliema being more effective and consistent and with Birkirkara, perhaps, providing more entertainment, though far less consistent.
All these ingredients make tonight’s match very interesting to watch and another bumper crowd is expected at Ta’ Qali for what has been termed as the final.
In fact, the winners of this match will be the great favourites to lift the trophy as they will be meeting minnows Marsaxlokk or Msida St Joseph in the final.
These two teams will be meeting in the second semi-final tomorrow afternoon.
Third and fourth placed in the league, Hibernians and Valletta, will also be interested followers in today’s match. So far Hibernians are ascertained of playing in Europe, though only in the Intertoto Cup. Yet, if Birkirkara beat Sliema and go on to win the Trophy, the Paolites will earn the right to play in the UEFA Cup alongside the Stripes with Valletta playing in the Intertoto Cup.
If Sliema win this evening, it will be Marsaxlokk or Msida who will earn the right to play in the UEFA Cup as the losing finalists.
Then Hibs will play in the Intertoto Cup and Valletta will again remain out of Europe.