Present Division 1 leaders Sirens X2 will have to be at their best when they play reigning champions Sliema Burger King this evening in what promises to be the top clash of the weekend at the Tal-Qroqq National Pool.

Sirens, who continued with their winning streak last week, beating Neptunes Vodafone 8-6, lead the standings with 17 points. Sliema, on their part, suffered another upset last Friday when they were beaten 5-6 by Marsascala Breakers and now lie two points behind Sirens.

Sliema need to improve their form, after a bleak winless four-match streak, to be able to topple the high-riding Sirens. The St Paul’s Bay team start as firm favourites, but they surely face an arduous task as nothing is decided yet.

Marsascala, on equal points with Sliema in second place, meet Neptunes, two points adrift, tomorrow, in the final match of the weekend programme. This might be Neptunes’ last chance to gain ground and catch up with the other teams, hoping for a Sliema win which would open some hopes.

Marsascala though would be a hard nut to crack as they are confirming their improvement and consistency under the guidance of coach Pierre Borg.

In Division 2, San Giljan Foster Clark should keep up top spot, together with Exiles RMF as they face Ta’ Xbiex Mermaids in the first match tomorrow.

On their part, Exiles meet Valletta Fortina Restaurant, also tomorrow, while the other Division 2 played this evening will be a direct clash between bottom teams Otters and Marsaxlokk Freeport. A win for Otters will see them climb up from bottom place and hand the wooden spoon to their opponents.

Weekend programme:

Today – 6pm: Otters-Marsaxlokk 7pm: Sirens-Sliema

Tomorrow – 5pm: San Giljan-Ta’ Xbiex; 6pm: Exiles-Valletta Utd; 7pm: Marsascala-Neptunes