Birkirkara have a good chance of remaining in control at the top of the standings at the weekend as they face bottom of the Championship Pool table Msida today.

Meanwhile, their main rivals for the title, Sliema, are involved in a tough battle with Marsaxlokk tomorrow. Also today, Hibernians cross swords with Valletta while in tomorrow’s Relegation Pool clash, Hamrun come up against Pieta.

It is the start of the second and final round of the competition and from now on, every point will be considered crucial.

The Stripes will obviously start favourites against Msida having already beaten them comfortably in this season’s previous three encounters.

Moreover, with Msida out of the Trophy as well following their defeat against Floriana last week in the quarter-finals, they have no further interest in this year’s proceedings.

The Stripes, on their part, will be eager to make sure of the three points and, even if they still have to play without some of their regulars – out through injury – they should be considered strong favourites for a handsome win.

Sliema will have to be at their very best to beat Marsaxlokk tomorrow. The latter have seen their title chances recede, losing three matches in succession after having come to within just two points of the leadership.

Not everything is lost yet for the southern seasiders as they still eye a third placing which could eventually mean a place in the UEFA Cup, considering that both Birkirkara and Sliema have reached the semi-finals of the Trophy.

Sliema certainly start as hot favourites. Not just because of the fact that they are playing better at the moment, but also because they have a psychological edge after having ousted Marsaxlokk from the Trophy last week.

The match between Hibernians and Valletta this afternoon also looks promising and should be an entertaining match.

Both sides need the points in the battle for the third place and Hibernians will be looking forward to stop their jinx against the Citizens who have won all three encounters against the Paolites this season.

The Relegation Pool match between Hamrun and Pieta tomorrow should also be a keenly contested encounter with the two neighbouring sides needing the points badly to improve their plight.

Only three points separate the four clubs in the Relegation Pool. Floriana and Mosta lead on 13 points, Pieta are on 11 and Hamrun are on 10.

After their recent disappointments, the Spartans will be eager to return to winning form to make the competition even more interesting than it is at present. But Pieta, after their come from behind win against Floriana, have taken a new lease of life and have helped their own cause immensely by winning those three unlikely points.