Sliema McDonalds may extend their lead at the top of the Wilkinson Sword league standings this evening when they face San Giljan Zara and their two main rivals for the title, Neptunes Vodafone and Sirens Hard Rock Café face each other in the match of the weekend.

If Sliema win and the other match finishes in a draw, then Sliema will extend their lead to three points and, of course, they will start dreaming of another league title.

At present, after all the three clubs have played seven matches, Sliema have 14 points and they are followed by Neptunes and Sirens who have 12 points.

The Blues are not expected to falter against San Giljan Zara after the latter suffered their second defeat of the summer league last week against their bitter rivals and neighbours, Neptunes.

Both Sirens and Neptunes will be looking forward to maintain the pace with the leaders. In the knowledge that Sliema are firm favourites to beat San Giljan, then their only chance is to win their match and remain two points behind Sliema, always if Sliema do not lose any points against the Saints.

Sirens and Neptunes are also aware that a win for Sliema and a defeat for either of them today will mean that they will have a four-point deficit to bridge in the second round, and even if it is perhaps too early, it is still quite a big gap to be bridged.

Also today, Gozitan side Otters will kick off the programme against Exiles Pender Gardens.

Another three matches from the lower half of the table will be played tomorrow.

The programme starts with Marsaxlokk Freeport-Ta’ Xbiex Mermaids, quickly followed by the Marsascala Breakers-Exiles Pender Gardens match and the clash between San Giljan Zara and Otters.

Programme

Today

Tal-Qroqq: 5pm Otters ASC-Exiles Pender Gardens; 6.15pm San Giljan Zara-Sliema McDonalds; 7.30pm Neptunes Vodafone-Sirens Hard Rock Café.

Tomorrow

Tal-Qroqq: 4pm Marsaxlokk Freeport-Ta’ Xbiex Mermaids Paradise; 5.15pm Marsascala Breakers-Exiles Pender Gardens; 6.30pm San Giljan Zara-Otters ASC.