The Bank of Valletta Premier League resumes at the weekend after the break for the European Championship qualifiers.

With Marsaxlokk runaway leaders on 35 points, a massive nine ahead of second placed Sliema, it is obvious that tomorrow’s clash between the two teams has decreased in importance. But the other matches should be worth watching with a big battle for the third place raging continuously and involving the remaining four clubs.

Behind Sliema lie Valletta and Birkirkara on 21 points, while Hibernians and Msida St Joseph complete the rear on 17 points each.

The programme starts today with Birkirkara facing Hibernians and Valletta coming up against Msida. Tomorrow, Floriana take on Marsa in a Relegation Pool match before the top Marsaxlokk-Sliema encounter.

Birkirkara seem to be enjoying a good moment at present and should be considered favourites to beat Hibernians and move closer to a berth in next season’s UEFA Cup via the second or third place.

Of course, they and Valletta are also aware that they have a five-point gap with Sliema to bridge but there are still six matches to go and everything can still happen.

Even Valletta should be considered favourites to beat Msida in the second match and keep their hopes very much alive.

But it is also a fact that both Hibernians and Msida will also be doing their best to improve their position. Both of them are aware that if they win today’s clashes, they will be just one point away from a possible third place which might mean a place in the UEFA Cup, or at least, the Intertoto Cup.

Tomorrow, Marsaxlokk might be expected to continue with their triumphant march at the top of the standings. A victory over Sliema would put them in an almost unassailable lead of 12 points with just 15 points remaining then from the five second round matches.

I cannot see Brian Talbot’s side faltering at present, even if Sliema will be determined to try and keep up the fight by winning, thus reducing the gap to six points.

The Blues, however, will have to be at their very best to overcome this hurdle. They are aware that the pressure is on them. They cannot afford to lose any more matches, while Marsaxlokk can afford to lose two matches and still remain on top.

The final match is in connection with the Relegation Pool where Floriana take on bottom placed Marsa.

It is, perhaps, the Red Blues’ last hope although their plight will remain very difficult even if they were to beat the Greens.

The latter will be expected to return to winning form after their defeat at the hands of Pieta. A victory will put their minds at rest.