No Premier League football is being played at the weekend. Instead the four quarter-finals of this competition will be played with the eight teams concerned eyeing a place in the last four.

The Trophy offers the chance to the winners, and possibly the finalists, of securing a place in European football next season and inevitably, this factor makes the competition even more interesting.

The lure of playing in Europe next season is a guarantee that these matches will definitely be keenly contested and come at a time when it seems as if Marsaxlokk are already (more or less) assured of their participation in the Champions League next season. Second placed Sliema are well placed to earn the second automatic berth via the runners-up place in the League, but as to the Trophy winners, there is no favourite as such.

The programme starts today when Hibernians face Marsa and this will be followed by the top clash between Birkirkara and Sliema W.

The Hibernians-Marsa clash offers a chance for Hibernians to claim a last four berth as Marsa have not yet managed a single win in the Premier League this season.

The Paolites have been struggling so far and although they should be considered favourites, the Red Blues will not just throw the towel in.

The Birkirkara-Sliema match offers the prospect of a battle royale between two of the most in-form teams at the moment.

The Stripes are coming from three successive league wins since former Sliema and Malta star John Buttigieg took over the reins of the side. On the other hand, Sliema are boosted by their 4-1 win and great performance against league leaders Marsaxlokk last week.

Tomorrow’s programme starts with the Msida-Pieta clash which should see the Hotspurs offering a strong challenge to Msida who, however, will still be considered as favourites.

In the other match, Marsaxlokk will try to redeem themselves after their 4-1 drubbing by Sliema last weekend.

But it will not be an easy task. Valletta, in fact, will definitely be going all out to make their presence felt in this competition as their Euro hopes in the League are vanishing fast.

It should be another keen and close encounter.