An interesting weekend of Premier League matches is in store after the break for the memorable World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria last Wednesday.

Champions and runaway leaders Sliema Wanderers who enjoy a six-point lead over Hibernians and are eight points ahead of third placed Birkirkara, face another tough test against their eternal rivals Floriana.

In other matches, Hibernians could face a stiff test themselves as they face the in-form Msida St Joseph, while Birkirkara face Mosta.

Tomorrow, before the Sliema-Floriana match, there is the clash between Pieta and Marsaxlokk. The programme will be concluded with the match between Valletta and Hamrun on Monday evening.

The Wanderers will obviously be searching for an eighth consecutive win to continue with their triumphant and very impressive run at the top.

The team is functioning perfectly where results are concerned, though they will have to improve if they are to continue riding their luck. In recent matches, in fact, they were lucky to have taken all the points especially in the matches against Valletta, Msida and Marsaxlokk.

Against Floriana, it will not be easy, even if the Greens still have to register their first win this season. Floriana, in fact, have just three points from three draws and unless they roll up their socks quickly, they will certainly find themselves in serious trouble, although they are already occupying bottom place.

Today, Hibernians and Birkirkara are forced to win their matches against Msida and Mosta if they are to continue hoping in a late season challenge for the title.

The Paolites will do well to return to winning form after their defeat at the hands of Valletta, but they will have to be on full alert against Msida, who are certainly the revelation side this season.

The Stripes should be able to collect a further three points against modest Mosta.

Tomorrow, Marsaxlokk have a good opportunity to return to winning form in their match against the disappointing Pieta side.

On Monday, Valletta and Hamrun will obviously be trying to get the three points to try and improve their position in the standings.

The citizens, with Gilbert Agius back among their ranks, will start as favourites, especially after their impressive 2-0 win over Hibernians, but there is still some doubt as to the availability of new signing Ndubuisi Chukunyere who was injured during the past few days.