Msida St Joseph and Sliema Wanderers can both assure themselves of a place in the Championship Pool at the weekend if they win their clashes.

Sliema will be facing Pieta Hotspurs today while Msida face Floriana tomorrow. Today, there is also the Birkirkara-Marsa clash while tomorrow’s programme also features the Marsaxlokk-St George’s match. Today’s programme is being played at Ta’ Qali. Tomorrow, matches will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.

With all clubs having played 14 matches, it is evident that with the exception of Marsaxlokk, who are already assured of a place in the Top Six – if not the top spot barring any surprise – will be battling to win precious points which might enhance their chances for the second phase.

As already said Sliema will be sure of a Top Six place if they beat Pieta and Floriana lose to Msida tomorrow. Sliema will also be sure of their place in the Top Six if Msida and Floriana figure in a draw tomorrow.

In any case, Sliema are hot favourites to bag the three points against lowly Pieta, even if the latter are buoyed by the fact that they won their first match of the season last weekend against Hibernians.

In today’s second match, Birkirkara should also be considered favourites to win the three points against bottom placed Marsa, who are passing through a delicate moment.

The champions need the three points badly in their quest to try and avoid playing in the relegation pool in the second phase of the competition.

Tomorrow, Marsaxlokk should garner another three points and march further ahead as they face lowly St George’s. In the knowledge that points will be halved before the second phase starts, it is obvious that Brian Talbot’s men will be doing their very best to win as many points as possible now to ensure a good lead at the start of the Championship Pool.

The second match tomorrow promises to be the most interesting. Msida, in second place on 28 points, will be facing Floriana, lying seventh on 19 points.

The former need the points to make sure of their place in the Championship Pool, while the Greens are in even more need of the points to maintain their challenge to Hibernians and Birkirkara for a place in the Championship Pool.