There is a restricted programme this afternoon at the national stadium as only one match is being played. The other scheduled game between Hibernians and Birkirkara has been moved back to next Monday at 7.30pm as both teams had some players taking part with the Under 20 national team in a tournament in Viseu, Portugal.

The only match today features current league leaders Sliema against mid-table placed Msida St Joseph. Tomorrow, there will be the usual two matches with Floriana facing Mosta in the first encounter and then Pieta taking on Valletta in the second game.

This evening Sliema are set to extend their three-point lead at the top, at least until next Monday, as they are considered firm favourites to beat Msida, even if the latter have now gone through a run of three positive matches, collecting seven points from a possible nine.

Todor Raykov's men are passing through a bright patch, but they will certainly have to be on their very best behaviour - tactically and physically - to be able to stop the triumphant Wanderers.

Last week, not even a very brave effort by a depleted Valletta stopped the leaders as Sliema scored two late goals to make sure of their fifth win in succession.

This evening, they will certainly be eyeing a maintain their perfect record, although they must be well aware of what happened against the same Msida a few years ago when the Blues suffered a humiliating 4-1 first round defeat.

Tomorrow, Floriana will be meeting Mosta in what must be considered as a direct clash between two possible contenders in the battle against relegation.

Mosta are on four points and Floriana on two and still without a victory, after the opening five matches.

Against Marsaxlokk last Wednesday, the Greens produced a gritty performance, but it did not land them that much needed morale-boosting victory.

There were, however, some positive aspects, particularly the return to form of central defenders Ian Azzopardi and Gango Rtsa who played a blinder, keeping dangerous players such as Cleaven Frendo and Andre Schembri at bay.

Against Mosta, Floriana might have a better chance to get that victory but the Blues will certainly be hoping to win the match as well to climb further up the table.

Mosta did well to beat Msida and draw with Pieta to get their points so far, but on some occasions, their defence has been found wanting.

In tomorrow's second match, both Valletta and Pieta will be looking forward to bounce back from defeats in their last encounters.

Pieta went down 4-1 to Birkirkara while Valletta lost 3-1 to Sliema, but while Pieta were simply pathetic against Birkirkara, the citizens were very unlucky to have lost all the points against the leaders.

They will again have to field a depleted side today although coach JJ Aquilina will again be able to make use of Rene Forace, back from suspension.

Pieta will certainly do their best to avoid another defeat, even though they are placed above Valletta in the standings.

But they will have to avoid committing errors as they did against Birkirkara where goalie Hogg was to blame in at least two of the goals.