Leaders Birkirkara have a good chance to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League standings this afternoon as they face fourth placed Hibernians with their main challengers at present, Sliema, being out of action until tomorrow.

The Stripes are leading Sliema by two points and Marsaxlokk by five points. Hibernians are a distant eight points behind the Stripes and only a disastrous run by the top two could bring the Paolites back in contention.

The Stripes take on Hibernians today in the knowledge that a win would put them five points ahead of Sliema who, however, will also have a good opportunity to get back to within two points tomorrow when they face Msida. Also tomorrow, Marsaxlokk face Valletta in an important match for both sides.

In the Relegation Pool, bottom placed Pieta know they need the three points against Floriana if their hopes to stave off relegation are to remain alive.

After their victory against Marsaxlokk, the Stripes are brimming with confidence and should be considered favourites against a Hibernians side which, so far, has failed to win a match in the Championship Pool. In fact, the Paolites have obtained just one point in three matches and have therefore seen their Championship title hopes fade away.

The Paolites are now also being chased by Valletta for a fourth place which might mean a place in European football next season, at least in the Intertoto Cup.

Birkirkara, on their part, will be looking forward to another precious three points to keep their distance from the Wanderers, whom they will be meeting next weekend.

Both teams will have a player missing through suspension – Matthew Calascione of Birkirkara and Essiem Mbong of Hibernians

Birkirkara might also have striker Etienne Barbara missing after last weekend’s facial injury against Marsaxlokk, but he was reported to be keen to play after having trained with his team-mates during the past few days.

Sliema seem to have an easier looking match on paper, but they cannot take things for granted against an Msida side which has often provided a tough obstacle for Edward Aquilina’s side.

The Blues, however, are passing through a good patch once again and only have to show full concentration and commitment to make sure of the three points in tomorrow’s encounter.

Msida have no interest, lying at the bottom of the standings. Their only interest this season is their progress in the FA Trophy and to do better than last year when they just missed a place in the UEFA Cup after being defeated by Birkirkara in the final.

The match between Marsaxlokk and Valletta is important for both sides. The seasiders are looking eagerly to return to winning form, hoping in a Birkirkara and Sliema slip to get back into the reckoning for the title as soon as possible.

It is true that five points is a difficult gap to bridge, but it is not impossible, either, considering that there are still seven more matches to play. Although Reuben Debono is suspended after being sent off last Saturday, regular goalie Reuben Gauci is expected to return to the side today after his injury.

On their part, Valletta will be eyeing the three points in the hope of moving closer to Hibernians in the standings and challenge them for a fourth place which might mean an Intertoto Cup place next season.

In the Relegation Pool, Pieta Hotspurs are coming from two successive defeats and they will be anxious to improve their plight with a victory against Floriana.

But it will not be easy for Georgi Deanov’s side. The Bulgarian mentor and his players are aware that the Greens are passing through a bright patch, especially after the good form they showed in the annihilation of Hamrun in their last encounter.

Pieta Hotspurs and Floriana already met twice this season, with Deanov’s side winning the first 2-0, and the Greens taking the second 3-1.