Newly-crowned champions Birkirkara will be aiming for their first ever double as they take on Hibernians in today's second semi-final at Ta' Qali national stadium (kick-off 5pm).

The Stripes are still bubbling with enthusiasm following their deserved second championship title. This, coupled with the return of some of their key players from injury will help to continue boosting the side towards further success.

In fact, it is possible that both George Mallia and Jonathan Holland will be back in the starting line-up today, while there are also hopes for Precious Monye, Roderick Briffa and Michael Galea to pass a fitness test to be able to join the squad, if not in the starting line-up.

But it will not be easy against Hibernians, even if they might have a psychological advantage for the fact that they beat the Paolites just a few days ago.

The Paolites are well aware that this is their final chance to earn a berth in Europe next season. If they fail, they will probably remain out, even from the Intertoto Cup, depending, of course, on the two results.

In fact, in that case, their only remaining chance would be to see Sliema and Birkirkara in the final. That would mean Marsaxlokk would go through to the UEFA Cup via their third place in the League and Hibernians enter the Intertoto Cup because of having finished fourth in the league.