The Bank of Valletta Premier League continues this weekend with four more matches from the first round.

Today at the Ta’ Qali national stadium, Ta’ Qali, Hibernians face leaders Marsaxlokk in the first match which will be followed by the Valletta-Sliema clash.

Tomorrow in the opener at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Floriana face St George’s while in the match that follows, Birkirkara come up against Pieta.

It is now evident that the only remaining issue still undecided before the start of the second phase, is that which should determine who will be playing in the Championship Pool or the Relegation Pool between Hibernians and Floriana.

At present Hibernians are favourites for a Championship Pool place. They are four points ahead of the Greens with three matches remaining to be played. Floriana, however, only have two matches to play for a maximum of six points.

If Hibs win today’s match against Marsaxlokk, the Paolites will be assured of their place among the Top Six.

For Marsaxlokk, former Hibs player Peter Pullicino is expected to make his debut after his midweek move from Msida St Joseph.

The Valletta-Sliema match should be the most exciting as the two teams battle for important points in connection with the placing and in the knowledge that points will be halved at the midway stage.

Valletta will certainly feel the absence of Sebastian Monesterolo who is seeking pastures new in Kuwait after such a successful stint at Valletta.

And tomorrow, both Floriana and Birkirkara must be aware of the fact that their opponents have been showing some tremendous improvement in their latest encounters where they also obtained some important points.