With recent matches indicating a turn for the better for Maltese football, especially last Sunday’s top League clash between Sliema and Birkirkara, it is expected that this weekend’s Trophy quarter-finals will be keenly contested as the eight clubs will be seeking to secure their berth in the last four.

On top of all the matches, is tomorrow’s Birkirkara-Valletta rival clash, but all the other three matches will be worth watching.

The programme opens today with the Hibernians-Hamrun Spartans encounter quickly followed by the Marsaxlokk-Sliema clash. The other match, tomorrow, is that between Floriana and Msida St Joseph.

The Birkirkara-Valletta match will certainly attract another big crowd to the Ta’ Qali Stadium, perhaps even exceeding that of last Sunday as Valletta and Birkirkara are known to be the biggest crowd pullers.

With the Stripes leading the League standings at the end of the first round of the second phase and with Valletta passing through a somewhat bright patch, it is obvious that the two sides will be giving their all – as usual – to advance in the competition.

Birkirkara are the holders and they are keen to defend the Trophy successfully, but Valletta are looking towards a successful run to save their season. At present Valletta still occupy fifth place in the league standings and only a Trophy victory will definitely assure them of a place in European football next season.

The goalless draw between the two teams recently was a source of encouragement for the citizens but last Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Msida was a sort of setback as they will have to play even better to have their say against the mighty Stripes.

The latter may be hampered by the absence of some of their stars including the still unfit Emil Yanchev, George Mallia and Mark Anthony Bonnici.

Sliema Wanderers will start as favourites to beat Marsaxlokk today and move into the semi-finals, even if the Blues may have some of their regular stars missing.

The Blues, with Bogdanovic back in the team, are looking solid all the way and one thing is certain – they are back to their very best, although midfielder Stefan Giglio is ruled out for today’s clash. Moreover, Darren Debono and Danilo Doncic are also doubtful starters.

Marsaxlokk, with a 100 per cent fit Cleaven Frendo back in their line-up, will be a different proposition. Without him, the team had gone to pieces and have lost all their title hopes. Now they are aware this is the last silverware through which they can also earn a berth in Europe, though a third place in the League may also give them some comfort.

In today’s opening clash, Hibernians should be considered strong favourites to beat Hamrun Spartans, but being a Trophy clash, one expects Hamrun to give their opponents a good run for their money.

The Spartans’ concentration is mainly on the League as they are trying to avoid relegation, but I am sure they will not be throwing in the towel against the Paolites.

The latter, following their impressive 3-1 win over Marsaxlokk, are also hoping for a Trophy success to save their somewhat disappointing season.

In the remaining match tomorrow, Floriana and Msida will also be looking towards a victory to earn the right to contest the semi-finals.

Last year’s finalists, Msida, seem to be passing through a brighter patch at present and are boosted by the creditable draw against the in-form Valletta last Saturday, while Floriana are demoralised after a second consecutive defeat, this time against Mosta.