With Sliema having extended their lead over Hibernians and the rest of their challengers after yesterday’s victory over Valletta, the Bank of Valletta Premier League continues with another four matches between today and tomorrow.

All the matches have their own importance. On paper, Hibernians seem to have a relatively easy job against newly-promoted Mosta today, but the bottom of the table clash between Hamrun and Floriana, also this afternoon, should also be worth watching.

Tomorrow, Msida will be facing Marsaxlokk in the first clash, which will be followed immediately afterwards by the Birkirkara-Pieta game.

It is an interesting programme, where Hibs must win the three points against Mosta to keep up the pace with the leaders.

The Paolites must be on the alert and they cannot under estimate their opponents who almost surprised Pieta last Sunday where they suffered a late goal which forced them to take just one point from a 3-3 draw.

Mosta will probably be aware that against Hibs it will be a different kettle of fish. In fact, the Paolites carry too many guns and the Premier newcomers will probably be forced on the defensive in the hope of obtaining something.

In the second match, Hamrun will be seeking their first points while Floriana will be searching for their first win as they face each other in the bottom of the table clash.

After four matches, Hamrun are firmly anchored at the bottom with no points, while Floriana have obtained only one point.

On their part, Floriana continue to disappoint their followers and unless they obtain a morale-boosting win, they will continue to find the going tough. Today they will have new foreigner Adama Diao as he is suspended after having received a red card in the match against Msida last week.

Tomorrow, Marsaxlokk will be hoping to return to winning form though they will be facing an in-form Msida side.

The southern seasiders were stunned by Valletta last week as they succumbed to an unexpected 3-2 defeat.

On their part, Msida must be very happy with the two consecutive wins they have registered against Valletta and Floriana.

After having lost their opening two encounters, Raykov’s side has now settled down and I am sure they will give any other side in the competition a good run for their money.

In tomorrow’s second match, a win has become a big must for Birkirkara after their defeat against Sliema and the latter’s win against Valletta yesterday.

The Stripes will have to show more commitment and flair if they are not to be taken by surprise by the Hotspurs.

On their part, Pieta can only hope to surprise the Stripes with some fast breaks, relying on the abilities of Sciufo and Deanov to take the chances which come their way.