The 2006-2007 local football season comes to an end this evening with the U*Bet FA Trophy final between Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians (kick-off 7.30pm).

The match will be decided today even if it has to go to the penalty kicks to decide the winner.

Both teams have had a disappointing season with Sliema playing second fiddle to Marsaxlokk while it was even worse for the Paolites who could only finish a lowly fifth in the Championship Pool standings.

While Sliema are already assured of a berth in next season’s UEFA Cup via the runners-up place in the League, the Paolites are eyeing today’s final as the season-saver.

Robert Gatt’s boys are well aware that unless they win today, there will be no European football for them next season and that will be a big blow for the club and the players themselves.

The Paolites are searching for an eighth Trophy victory apart from defending the honour they won last season by beating Floriana in the final.

On their part, Sliema are looking forward towards establishing a new record as they are eyeing a 20th Trophy win to continue adding more successes to their glorious history.

I consider Sliema to start slight favourites due to the fact that Farrugia is in possession of a more experienced squad of players.

With goalie Akanji, Alex Muscat Brian Said, Chetcuti at the back, Giglio, Bajada, Madzar, Mattocks and Ciantar in midfield and with such a striker as Ivan Woods up front, then they must certainly start as favourites.

But Hibs will not be far behind, even if they might suffer a little at the back. Goalkeeper Muscat’s experience and the determination of Cassar, Xuereb and Pulis may not be enough. The Paolites, however, are also strong in midfield where Doffo and Da Silva, as well as Chukunyere and Bartolo will offer more than adequate opposition to the Blues.

And in Terence Scerri and Andrew Cohen, Hibernians boast of perhaps the second strongest striking department on the island, behind that of Marsaxlokk.

The two coaches, Ray Farrugia of Sliema and Robert Gatt of Hibernians, are not expected to make radical changes to the sides which overcame the semi-finals against Msida SJ and Valletta respectively.