The Bank of Valletta Premier League takes a very interesting twist this afternoon at the national stadium when two important and keen matches are to be played.

At 2pm, Hibernians will be facing Sliema Wanderers. That match that follows, at 4pm, is the city and suburban derby between eternal rivals Valletta and Floriana.

Hibernians and Sliema will both be looking forward to improve their position in the standings, especially Sliema who are, at present, hovering close to the last four.

The Blues have been rather disappointing this season, and even the change of the coach seems to have had little effect on the team’s play.

In their last match, they struggled to beat lowly St George’s. Today they will have to play much better to overcome the Paolites who cannot afford another slip after their unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of the 10-man Floriana.

The Paolites have remained seven points behind leaders Marsaxlokk in the chase for the title, but a victory this afternoon will move them closer.

The second match promises to be full of fireworks with the rivalry between the two sets of supporters increasing considerably in the recent months.

The two clubs are boosted by recent performances where Floriana beat Hibs and Valletta routed Pieta Hotspurs, but the Greens will definitely miss the services of Manolito Micallef who is suspended.

On the other hand, Valletta will further be boosted by the return from suspension of Argentine top striker Sebastian Monesterolo.

If he, Ian Zammit and Gilbert Agius are able to hit top form, then the Greens will be in serious trouble.