Old Firm rivals Sliema and Floriana will be renewing their rivalry once again tomorrow afternoon when they face each other in the top weekend clash.

Meanwhile, leaders Marsaxlokk are poised to extend their lead over the inactive Msida as they come up against luckless Pieta Hotspurs, who have remained anchored to the bottom of the standings.

In other matches, Hibernians and Birkirkara will be expected to return to winning form after their recent debacles as they face Marsa and St George’s respectively.

The clash between Sliema and Floriana, which is also being screened live on Melita Sports and the Sports Channel from 4pm tomorrow, is a match of prime importance for both sides.

While Sliema will be seeking the three points to get closer to the leaders, Floriana need them to improve their position in the standings as they continue battling to avoid the Relegation Pool by gaining access to the Championship Pool.

Sliema are coming from a morale-boosting win against Hibernians last Wednesday, while Floriana were defeated 1-2 by eternal rivals Valletta.

Today, Marsaxlokk should extend their lead at the top as they are not expected to falter against bottom club Pieta.

Marsaxlokk are going from strength to strength and even without the injured Andre Schembri, they have still remained formidable and should carry too many guns for the hapless Pieta side.

Despite the arrival of former assistant national coach Carmel Busuttil, the Hotspurs have remained in bottom place with few hopes of avoiding the Relegation Pool.

Also today, Hibernians should be considered favourites to return to winning form after two defeats in succession in five days, first to Floriana and then to Sliema.

The Paolites know they cannot afford to lose more points if they are to start the second phase as close as possible to the leaders.

The same applies to defending champions Birkirkara who face a must-win match against St George’s tomorrow. At present they were surprisingly battling to avoid the Relegation Pool.

The Saints have shown a lot of improvement in recent matches culminating in their first seasonal win against Marsa last weekend. They could pose a serious threat to the Stripes who are finding it difficult to maintain consistency.