Tomorrow, Birkirkara are to be handed the Bank of Valletta League trophy as Malta Champions and more celebrations will follow in the town later in the evening.

But Sliema will probably go all out to upset the newly crowned champions, especially if Marsaxlokk win their clash against Hibernians this afternoon.

The battle for the runners-up spot between the Wanderers and Marsaxlokk is still raging – the occupiers at the end will be rewarded with a Lm30,000 financial windfall thanks to an automatic UEFA Cup berth next season.

If Sliema lose that place, they can still claim a place in the UEFA Cup by winning the FA Trophy, both Hibernians and Floriana, apart from champions and holders Birkirkara, will certainly have other thoughts.

Tomorrow, Sliema will have the suspended Alex Muscat missing from their line-up, but Birkirkara will again have to field a heavily depleted formation as several players are still ruled out through injury.

In such circumstances, the Stripes will be happy if they can avoid defeat as they prepare to celebrate their second title win in a big manner.

In the meantime, Marsaxlokk need to win today’s clash against Hibernians to maintain their high hopes of finishing second.

And it might not be enough. For them to finish second, Sliema either have to draw or get beaten by Birkirkara tomorrow.

The other clash today is from the Relegation Pool, where Pieta take on Hamrun Spartans.