After the break for the national team’s matches, Premier League action resumes this weekend although it will come to a halt once again because of the re-seeding of the turf at the national stadium until 24 November.

Today, in the opening match, Mqabba will be facing Pieta Hotspurs, while in the match that follows, Hamrun Spartans take on Valletta. Tomorrow, the main match is the second on the programme when Sliema Wanderers face Marsaxlokk. It will be preceded by the clash between Hibernians and Msida St Joseph.

Bottom placed Mqabba will be looking forward for a second win as they face Pieta this afternoon.

Mqabba have been playing some good football in their most recent encounters and have given the impression that they have far from thrown the towel.

On their part, Pieta are seeking to return to winning form and the possible return of Martin Deanov from injury should help them achieve their aim.

In the second match today, Hamrun and Valletta will be battling it out for the three points in an effort to improve their position.

The Spartans have gained 10 points so far, but Valletta have collected just eight from their opening six matches.

While the Spartans must be considered as a team doing pretty well having just been promoted from the first division, Valletta have been a disappointing outfit, having strengthened their side with so many new faces.

However, it is evident that the newcomers at Valletta still have to settle down and I am sure that when they do, they will again be a force to be reckoned with in Maltese football.

Tomorrow Sliema and Marsaxlokk will be aiming for the three points in the hope of joining Floriana at the top of the standings, although the Greens will still have a match in hand over their rivals, as can be seen from the standings.

The two sides have had their ups and downs since the start of the season, but in their last encounters, both showed consistency and improvement as the first round of the first phase nears its end.

In the other match tomorrow, Hibernians should beat lowly Msida St Joseph to conquer three more points which will see them joining Birkirkara on the 12-point mark.

The Paolites had a disastrous start this season, but they have also turned in some good performances in their recent encounters and have moved up the standings.

As for Msida, it seems as if the side would be happy to get away with a draw, perhaps, but considering their limitations, I would say they will be facing a difficult task against the up and coming Paolites.