The weekend matches have given us a clearer picture of the situation at both ends of the table. At the top, Marsaxlokk and Sliema were inactive, thus giving a chance to their immediate followers to move closer to their standing.

In actual fact, second placed Msida, though sure of their place among the Top Six for the second season in succession, failed once again as they could only garner a point from their match against lowly St George’s.

However, Birkirkara maintained their momentum as they overcame Floriana to dispel any fears that the champions might have to play in the Relegation Pool in the second phase of the championship.

And Hibernians did themselves a world of good when they managed to beat Valletta by the odd goal in three to open a four-point gap from Floriana, who have only two matches yet to play, compared to the Paolites’ three.

It is a situation which puts Floriana in trouble. Not that they will be relegated. Probably far from it. I am sure they are a healthier outfit than the remaining three clubs, but everyone knows what happened last season when they only saved their status in the final match and after having to fight back from 0-3 down at half time to Mosta to force a draw which sent the latter to the first division instead!

It is another dramatic moment for Floriana. After such a promising start to the season, the team is now struggling near the bottom end of the standings. In fact they are now almost sure of having to play in the Relegation Pool.

And even here, it seems as if two teams are staging a revival which will keep their hopes alive till the very end. I am referring to Pieta Hotspurs and St George’s who are proving serious and decent opposition to one and all.

Floriana still have to play these two teams in their forthcoming first round matches. Who knows what might happen? Especially if Pieta and the Saints maintain their current impressive run.

Pieta overcame Marsa 5-3 in what must have been one of the most thrilling matches this season, while St George’s shocked Msida and almost went away with all the three points, though it would have been an injustice as Msida deserved at least a point.

After their big impact in the early stages of the competition, Msida seem to be fading at a time when they should be showing improvement. Recent matches have shown that their form is declining considerably. Is it possibly due to the fact that they have made certain of a Championship Pool place so early?

After their defeat against Pieta, Marsa’s chances of survival are very slim. If they fail to add any points to their tally of three, then it would be very difficult for them to bridge the gap with their rivals in the Relegation Pool.

Meanwhile, Hibernians almost secured their place in the Championship Pool by beating Valletta 2-1.

With Valletta already assured of their place among the Top Six, courtesy of Birkirkara’s win over Floriana, the Paolites played with more tranquillity as the citizens showed no urgency in their play.

The victory enabled the Paolites to forget about their previous crisis and now that they are back on track, they will be looking forward to a positive moment to get back where they belong although the title remains a very far away dream.

Valletta missed the chance of moving alone into second place after this defeat. The citizens were shocked by two early goals and never recovered and when they scored their goal near the end, there was not much time left for them to stage a proper comeback.

Remaining matches:

Marsaxlokk: v. Hibernians, v. Sliema W., v. Marsa

Msida SJ: v. Hibernians, Sliema W.

Sliema W.: v. Valletta, v. Marsaxlokk, v. Msida SJ

Valletta: v. Sliema W., v. Marsa, v. Birkirkara

Birkirkara: v. Pieta H., v. Valletta

Hibernians: v. Marsaxlokk, v. Msida SJ, v. St George’s

Floriana: v. St George’s, v. Pieta H.

Pieta H.: v. Birkirkara, v. Floriana

St George’s: v. Floriana, Hibernians

Marsa: v. Valletta, Marsaxlokk

Best player

Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara)

The Birkirkara and Malta striker Etienne Barbara is my pick this week after his good performance in the match against his former team Floriana.

Barbara is, admittedly, one of the most technically-gifted players on the island. When he is in form, he can be a threat to any defence – he was even dangerous against the likes of the Milan players – and also he can delight those watching from the terraces with his delicate dribbling, crosses and shots at goal.

At present he is in Croatia for a trial and from these columns, I wish him a successful week. If he is accepted it will be of immense benefit to the player – and to Maltese football.

Next matches

Saturday 27 January

(at Ta’ Qali)

4pm Hibernians-Marsaxlokk

6pm Sliema W.-Valletta

Sunday 28 January

(at V. Tedesco Stadium)

1pm Floriana-St George’s

3pm Pieta H.-Birkirkara