The top match of this weekend’s programme is, without doubt, today’s second encounter, between leaders Hibernians and joint second placed Birkirkara.

In other matches, Msida come up against Sliema in today’s first match while, tomorrow, Mosta face Hamrun before the resurgent Floriana meet the high-flying Marsaxlokk.

It is a very interesting programme which, by tomorrow evening, could see some more changes in the standings.

For example, at the top, if Birkirkara, Sliema and Marsaxlokk win their matches, we will not just have a trio leading with the same number of points, but even Marsaxlokk will draw nearer to all of them by three points. The gap will then drop to just four points.

But that is just one option because, as already said, all the clubs are now in search for precious points in connection with their Championship or Relegation Pool purposes.

The programme starts with the Msida-Sliema clash in which even Msida will be looking forward to obtain a positive result after four matches from which they have collected just one point.

The Saints will have Roderick Bajada missing – he is now a Sliema W. player after his move this week. And they still have not found a suitable replacement, though newcomer Zongo, given time, could prove to be a valuable asset.

On their part, Sliema will also be looking forward to return to winning form after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Birkirkara in their last encounter.

The Blues are firm favourites to win the three points.

The second encounter today is the top match of the weekend.

Birkirkara will be all out for revenge against their rivals after a 5-2 defeat in the first round and a penalty shootout defeat in the final of the Quadrangular tournament held recently.

The Stripes will still have Chucks Nwoko in their squad. Despite his reported move to Marsaxlokk earlier in the week, it has now become known that the deal fell through as Birkirkara have decided to retain his services.

The Stripes have been playing well lately and also deserved their win over Sliema Wanderers which enabled them to close in on the leadership.

On their part, the Paolites had to struggle hard to beat bottom-placed Mosta thanks to a last-gasp winner from Roderick Baldacchino in added time.

They will have to improve considerably if they are to maintain the sole leadership as well as keeping their impressive record against the Stripes this season.

It should be a very keen contest between two balanced teams and which should entertain what is expected to be one of the biggest crowds so far this season at Ta’ Qali.

Tomorrow, at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun have the chance to obtain three precious points when they meet bottom placed Mosta.

However, Michael Degiorgio will need to motivate his players once again after the disappointment brought about by the 4-2 defeat at the hands of Floriana, after the team was leading 2-0 at the interval.

And they have to be on the alert again as Mosta, as was the case against Hibernians last Sunday, could prove to be tough opponents.

Moreover, Mosta still have an outside chance to avoid the Relegation Pool, if they win the three points tomorrow.

In the other match, Floriana and Marsaxlokk clash in what should be another keenly contested encounter.

The two sides are brimming with confidence.

Floriana recorded their sixth positive consecutive result in the match against Hamrun (4-2), while Marsaxlokk registered their fifth consecutive when beating Msida St Joseph last week.

With Marsaxlokk keen to move closer to the top and with Floriana eager to continue with their positive run to earn a berth in the Championship Pool, one expects another balanced match.