League leaders Birkirkara and one of their two immediate followers, Marsaxlokk, will be facing each other in a top-of-the-table clash this afternoon at the Ta’ Qali Stadium.
It is the second match on the programme which also features the Valletta-Sliema match, also from the Championship Pool.
At present, in the Championship Pool, Birkirkara enjoy a two-point lead over Marsaxlokk and Sliema, six over Hibernians, nine over Valletta and 14 over sixth placed Msida St Joseph.
The Stripes, who played a disappointing match against a rampant Valletta side and dropped two precious points the past weekend, must be on full alert against a Marsaxlokk side which has been moving up the standings steadily since Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia joined the club as technical assistant.
Coach Stephen Azzopardi is well aware of a very difficult task today – recent results against the southern seasiders did not go Birkirkara’s way – and will certainly request his players to beat today’s opponents to give their title hopes a further push.
Marsaxlokk are going from strength to strength having beaten title contenders Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers, besides Msida SJ in their last three games. They are now very confident going into today’s big clash with the leaders.
In the first round of the first phase, the two sides figured in a 1-1 draw, while in the second round, Marsaxlokk emerged winners 2-0.
Marsaxlokk will be without striker Malcolm Licari who is banned for one match.
Valletta could prove to be a tough obstacle for Sliema as well after having halted Birkirkara in their stride last week.
The citizens are playing better with every match and with Gilbert Agius and Keith Fenech back from suspension, coach Paul Zammit will be able to field a full side against title defendants Sliema.
Valletta need the three points in their quest to join Hibernians in fourth place as the club now hopes to earn a berth in European football next season.
But it will not be an easy task for Valletta as Sliema are also in need of the points. The Blues are well aware that if they miss the bus, either Marsaxlokk or Birkirkara could take advantage of the situation in the match that follows.
Sliema are favourites to obtain a third win over the Citizens, especially after their good performance against Hibernians (3-0) last week, but they will be without veteran defender Jeffrey Chetcuti who is ruled out through suspension.
Tomorrow’s Championship Pool clash sees Hibernians facing bottom club Msida – a match in which the two sides will be aiming to get back on the winning trail.
The two sides have started the second phase on a negative note and they will both be aiming to improve their situation, especially Hibernians, who might be motivated to get back into contention, depending, of course, on today’s results.
In the Relegation Pool, Mosta have another opportunity to continue opening the issue wide as they face the demoralised Hamrun Spartans.
With Floriana almost out of trouble, the issue is left to be battled out between Hamrun, Pieta and Mosta with just three points separating the three clubs.
While Mosta are brimming with enthusiasm following their 3-1 defeat of Pieta, Hamrun are demoralised following their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Floriana last week.