Floriana fans have already started dreaming that their team is a safe bet for a Top Six berth after watching their favourites claiming three straight victories at the start of this Premier League campaign.

If the Greens survive this evening’s big test against ‘Old Firm’ rivals Sliema Wanderers, then the club’s diehard fans will also be dreaming of their team becoming a championship title contender!

After Valletta, Hibernians and Mqabba, it is the turn of the Blues to face the Greens and the onus falls on Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia’s team to stop the Greens in their triumphant march at the top of the standings.

This weekend’s programme starts today with a match between Hibernians and Mqabba, quickly followed by the Floriana-Sliema clash. Tomorrow in the opener, Hamrun face Pieta H., while Valletta take on Msida St Joseph in the second match. On Sunday, Birkirkara will be playing against champions Marsaxlokk.

Without any shadow of doubt, the Floriana-Sliema clash takes pride of place, even more so because of the bitter rivalry between the two clubs.

The Greens have not had such a good start to a championship campaign for many a season now and they seem to thrive when playing against the bigger fry.

In fact, they were much more convincing in their wins over Valletta and Hibernians rather than against lowly Mqabba who made them fight very hard for the three points.

Against Sliema today, the Greens will be looking for a fourth straight win and that would put them in a strong position atop the table.

On their part, Sliema are aware that they need to pull up their socks and start playing according to their rank. This star-studded side has, so far, failed to make an impact.

After last week’s defeat at the hands of Birkirkara, I expect them to go all out to beat Floriana and regain some of their lost prestige.

Of course, with the Greens bubbling with enthusiasm and confidence, it will not be an easy task for the Wanderers to overcome their bitter rivals, but in such ‘derby’ matches, every result will be possible.

In today’s opening match, Hibernians and Mqabba will be seeking their first win of the season, with Mqabba also searching for their first point.

The newly promoted side has fought gamely in its opening three matches, but, quite unfortunately, they have finished on the losing end.

Against a resurgent Hibernians, they will be aware that the Paolites will also be looking for a first victory this season. After the encouraging performance in the 1-1 draw against Valletta on Monday evening, the Paolites are now looking forward confidently towards a good win which would lift them to a higher place in the standings.

Tomorrow’s programme starts with the Hamrun-Pieta neighbourly clash in which the Spartans must be considered firm favourites for their third win from four matches.

The Spartans have also had a good start to the season and were particularly impressive in their 1-0 win over Marsaxlokk last week.

On their part, Carmel Busuttil’s Pieta have had a miserable start – three defeats in three matches – and they must start winning the points that matter if they are to avoid trouble in future.

In the second match, Valletta seem to have a good opportunity to get three points when facing lowly Msida St Joseph, even if at present, only one point separates the two teams.

The citizens were expected to figure more prominently this season after signing so many new players, but Paul Zammit’s boys have failed to deliver the goods so far.

City’s main problems seem to lie at the back, on both flanks. Against Hibernians last Monday, they were in difficulty every time Hibs attacked. But even the attack, with Monesterolo struggling to regain his best form, is showing itself inefficient and I would not be surprised if the coach names Ian Zammit – scorer of three goals – as a starter.

On their part, Msida are boosted by their victory over Pieta in their last encounter. That provided Patrick Curmi’s side with their first three points of the new season, but they will have to be at their very best to stop the wounded lions of Valletta.

On Sunday, the Stripes, convincing in their 2-0 win over Sliema the past weekend, will now take on champions Marsaxlokk.

John Buttigieg’s side has been very effective so far especially last week against Sliema. Tactically, Buttigieg seems to be second to none. In that match, the former Malta, Sliema, Floriana and Valletta defender confirmed his great qualities as coach leading his boys to such a splendid win.

Against Marsaxlokk, however, it could be a different story. On Sunday he will be facing a team – led by Brian Talbot – heavily wounded after an unexpected defeat at the hands of Hamrun Spartans.

The champions will obviously be doing their utmost to return to winning form as quickly as possible in their quest to remain in the hunt for a second championship title in succession.

However, they will have to play much better than they did against the Spartans to be able to beat the Stripes.