The Bank of Valletta Premier League returns into action this weekend with a full programme of five matches – two each today and tomorrow and a big match on Monday evening.

The programme kicks off today at 4pm with the match between Floriana and Msida St Joseph. It will be followed by the Hibernians-Hamrun clash. Tomorrow, in the opener at 4pm Pieta will be facing Mosta, while at 6pm Marsaxlokk face Valletta. It will be concluded on Monday evening with the big match between rivals Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara.

This match will certainly be the biggest attraction and it will be interesting to see whether Sliema can carry on with their one hundred per cent record against a Stripes team which, after a strong start, lost their first points in a 1-1 draw against Marsaxlokk.

The Blues have had a sound start to the season having beaten Hibernians 3-0, Mosta 6-0 and Hamrun Spartans 4-1.

Coach Edward Aquilina and his assistant Hugh Caruana can rely more or less on last season’s successful squad though it is already evident that Sliema might also be considered a little stronger, judging from their early season performances.

Monday’s opponents Birkirkara will certainly be a hard nut to crack, but the fact that the Blues have already disposed easily of a title challenger like Hibernians, will certainly enable them to start the match as the favourites.

The Stripes have added another former Floriana and Malta midfielder, Jonathan Holland, to their squad, but today, they will have left flank defender Lino Galea missing through suspension.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi may also include Chucks Nwoko for the first time in his squad on Monday. The latter had delayed in signing a new contract with the club, but now seems to be knocking on the door.

Another player returning to the team on Monday could be Etienne Barbara, though he is still a doubtful starter, having also missed the Malta match against Croatia last Wednesday.

Today, Hibernians should maintain their series of positive results as they face bottom placed Hamrun Spartans.

The Paolites are feeling confident of another three points in the bag against a team which has not yet won a point after three matches. Robert Gatt’s boys have now registered two consecutive wins after their opening disastrous match against Sliema.

On their part, newly promoted Hamrun will be aiming to win their first points of the new season, but it will not be easy against an in-form Hibs side.

The Spartans are expected to parade newcomers Ivan Zammit, Anthony Mallia and Nigerians Maczerob Okoro and Eric Chidi Nwankwo.

In today’s opening match, Floriana will be aiming for their first victory having collected just one point from their opening three matches.

With coach Jimmy Briffa resigning, the team is temporarily under the hands of their Dutch technical adviser Jan Artz, aided by assistant coach Dennis Cauchi. New signings Adama Diao and Ian Ciantar are expected to make their debut while Adrian Mifsud will again be leading the attack.

Msida are on the moon. After having lost their opening two matches – 2-1 against Mosta and 5-2 against Birkirkara, they easily disposed of Valletta 3-1 to win their first three points.

They also showed that Todor Raykov’s work is bearing fruit and with the squad having recently been strengthened with two new arrivals Clint Micallef and Karl Ebejer, they are now looking forward to more positive outings.

The team is bubbling with enthusiasm as they seek to surprise Floriana as well and register their second consecutive win.

In tomorrow’s first match, Pieta Hotspurs should also be able to obtain their third victory as they face a Mosta side which has conceded 11 goals in their last two encounters.

The Hotspurs have shown that they are a solid squad despite early season predictions that they might have been considered as a candidate for relegation.

On the other hand, Mosta need to tighten their defence if they are to entertain hopes of making a bold fight to stave off relegation.

In the second match, Marsaxlokk will again be aiming high as they meet Valletta in an important match for both sides.

Marsaxlokk showed glimpses of their true form in the match against Birkirkara, but were disappointed to have allowed their 10-men adversaries to stage a comeback and save a point.

Their opponents tomorrow, Valletta, will be seeking their first victory after a somewhat disappointing start to the season. So far, Valletta have only garnered one point from three matches and unless they start winning the points that matter, they could land themselves in trouble.

Coach JJ Aquilina will probably have to do without midfielder Milen Penchev who was injured in a friendly against St Patrick in midweek. He is a very doubtful starter.