Sliema Wanderers need a victory today against leaders Marsaxlokk if the local Premier League is to be thrown wide open.

At present, Marsaxlokk lead the standings on 39 points. They are followed by Sliema on 31, Birkirkara and Msida on 30, Valletta on 27 and Hibernians on 25.

The situation sees Marsaxlokk in a favourable position, but when the second phase starts and the points are halved, then it could change drastically.

In fact, if Marsaxlokk win today, they will continue extending their lead to start the second phase with a handsome cushion, but that will decrease considerably if Sliema win this evening’s clash, bringing teams such as the same Sliema, Msida, Birkirkara and Valletta back in contention.

It is an intriguing match for the two teams who have not been displaying their best football in recent weeks.

Moreover, Sliema will have to face their opponents without Jeffrey Chetcuti and Clifton Ciantar, both of whom are suspended.

In the second match this evening, Msida will be facing Hibernians with both teams searching for a crucial win.

If Sliema win, Msida will be aware that they will have the chance to get back into the championship reckoning.

On their part, Hibernians are not yet sure of their place among the Top Six in the second phase and they still need two points from their remaining two matches to make sure.

The Paolites have shown considerable progress in their recent matches and with Brazilian Da Silva among their ranks, they could provide Msida with a lot of trouble.

The Sliema-Marsaxlokk match starts at 6pm. Msida and Hibernians kick off at 8pm.