The weekend programme marks the end of the first phase in the local Premier Division.
So far we know who will be contesting the Championship Pool and those who will be playing in the Relegation Pool. But we do not yet know how many points are they going to start with except for Floriana and Pieta who terminated their first round commitments last week.
This weekend’s programme could yet see Marsaxlokk extend their lead at the top thus making sure of a healthy cushion at the start of the second phase. Marsaxlokk have 42 points at present. Another three today will make them sure of starting the next phase on 23 points.
In fact, the four clubs behind them will be engaged in a battle for position on Sunday which might even see them lose further ground to the league leaders. In fact, Sliema will be facing Msida while in the final first round match, Birkirkara take on Valletta. At present, Msida are second on 33 points, Sliema follow on 31 while Valletta and Birkirkara are on 30 points.
So by tomorrow, they could have a six-point lead especially if the Sliema-Msida match is drawn. If Msida and Marsaxlokk both win, then Msida will start the second phase on 18 points, that is five points behind the leaders.
The match of the weekend should be the clash between rivals Birkirkara and Valletta. It comes at a time when both clubs will be searching for all the three points in an effort to remain as close as possible to the leaders in the hope of a future slip(s) by Marsaxlokk.
Birkirkara will be trying to avenge the first round defeat. They had been beaten by a last gasp penalty scored by Sebastian Monesterolo. This time round, the Argentine star is no longer on City’s books having gone to play in Kuwait.
His substitute is Richmar Siberie of the Netherlands Antilles. He started his experience in Malta with a big bang, notching four of Valletta’s goals in their 6-1 win over bottom-placed and winless Marsa last week.
Tomorrow, it will probably be a different kettle of fish as he might possibly be facing none other than the experienced Nigerian Precious Monye in Birkirkara’s defence. Monye is back with Birkirkara till the end of the season. He was a regular last year and was voted Best Foreigner in the Awards for the past season. However, this will be the first match of the season for Monye.
His presence in the Stripes squad will certainly bolster the champions who have had a poor start to this year’s campaign but have now improved beyond recognition.
Even for Hibernians, it is a must to win the three points against St George’s this afternoon.
A victory, in fact, would keep them close to the leading clubs and will also keep them in line for a berth in the UEFA Cup next season via a runner-up place in the league.