Bank of Valletta Premier League leaders Marsaxlokk are expected to move one step closer to their first ever title this afternoon when they take on bottom Championship Pool club Hibernians in the first match of the second and final round.
Even if Sliema win tomorrow against Msida St Joseph, as is quite likely, the southern seasiders will still be enjoying a comfortable six-point lead atop the standings with four matches remaining.
Brian Talbot’s side, however, must be aware of their own situation. In the last fortnight, they had the misfortune of suffering only their second defeat in the League this season against none other than Sliema and last week, they were also on the losing end once again, this time being kicked out of the U*Bet Trophy by Valletta who advanced after a penalty shoot-out.
Marsaxlokk will certainly be aiming to get back on the winning track this afternoon and Hibernians must expect a tough time to contend with. The Paolites seem to have lost all interest in the League and will concentrate mainly on the Trophy in an effort to win a berth in European football next season.
Today, the second match features rivals Birkirkara and Valletta, currently engaged in the battle for third place. The Stripes may also challenge Sliema for the runners-up place. At present, they are five points behind the Blues, but lie two ahead of Valletta who remain in fourth place.
The tie comes at a time when Birkirkara suffered their first defeat since former Malta defender John Buttigieg took over the reins of the side, although that was the Trophy quarter-final match against Sliema, while Valletta, who have gone four matches without a win, managed to overcome Marsaxlokk in the Trophy, albeit through a penalty shootout.
Tomorrow, Sliema should be able to collect all the three points from their match against Msida. Sliema are passing through a bright patch at the moment, and their victories over Marsaxlokk (4-1) and Birkirkara (2-1) in their last two commitments, show that Ray Farrugia’s boys have not thrown in the towel.
Msida, like Hibernians, have lost practically all interest in the league and will now concentrate mainly on the Trophy.
And who knows what could happen were Marsaxlokk to slip once again?
In the relegation pool, St George’s will be meeting Pieta in an important match which they have to win to keep their hopes of staving off the Big Drop alive.
On the other hand, a victory for Pieta means that the Hotspurs would need just two points from their last three matches to ensure their safety.