Joint League leaders Hibernians and third placed Birkirkara will be clashing this evening in the Quadrangular Tournament final at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

It is the third time these two teams are meeting each other this season and so far, Hibernians have a clear edge having won the two matches played. It was 2-1 in the Euro Cup, a pre-season competition, and a more convincing 5-2 in the first round of the Bank of Valletta Premier League.

It is therefore obvious that the Stripes will be going all out to take revenge over their opponents even if this competition does not carry much importance, especially now that there is also no sponsorship involved.

However, it will serve the Stripes in good stead if they were to win today in the knowledge that next Tuesday they have a difficult match against Sliema in the League to play.

In the semi-finals, Birkirkara overcame Valletta after an exciting penalty shoot-out, while Hibernians turned a first half 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory against Sliema Wanderers.

In Hibs case, it was evident that the defence was not at ease against Sliema's speedy merchants while on the Stripes part, the side seems to be finding it difficult to score the goals that matter, although there has been a marked improvement at the back.

Today's clash should be worth watching and both coaches will be making use of their best players available.

However, the Stripes will probably still be missing Antoine Zahra while Hibernians also have at least Haruna Doda sidelined.