The Old Firm partners of Sliema Wanderers and Floriana will be waging battle this evening (kick-off 7.30pm) at the national stadium, Ta’ Qali. At stake is a place in the final of the U*Bet FA Trophy against the winners of tomorrow’s second semi-final between Hibernians and Birkirkara.

These two teams had dominated the early years of the competition until the 1980s when their hold on this competition came to an almost complete end.

Sliema, in fact lead the winners’ podium with 19 victories, followed by their eternal rivals on 18. Valletta follow next on 11, then Hamrun and Hibs six times each, Birkirkara three times and Melita, Gzira, Zurrieq and Rabat once each.

Having just escaped relegation by a whisker, Floriana are now looking ahead towards earning a berth in European soccer after quite a number of years. In fact their last participation in a European competition dates back to season 1999-2000 when they faced Norway’s Stabaek in the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round.

The Greens have passed through several anxious moments in recent seasons and this year was no exception. In fact, it was only last Friday, in their final league encounter that they managed to escape the relegation sceptre after a dramatic and sensational three-goal recovery in the second half against Mosta.

That result has injected a lot of enthusiasm among the Greens clan, not just among the players, but also among their fans. It was a big boost and it is no surprise they are now eyeing Sliema’s scalp to reach the final.

Sliema are already assured of a place in European football next season. They will be in the UEFA Cup thanks to their runners-up placing in the Bank of Valletta Premier League.

Now that all the league anxiety is over, Sliema will be able to play with more tranquility and they will also be looking forward to reach another final at the expense of their rivals.

However, Edward Aquilina will have to find a replacement for Ivan Woods who has been suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner for one match.