An interesting programme this weekend will bring the first round of the first phase to an end. And tomorrow’s match between Msida St Joseph and Sliema not only heralds the start of the second round, but also marks Stephen Azzopardi’s return to Premier football as coach of Sliema Wanderers.

Former Birkirkara coach Azzopardi has taken over at Sliema after Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia was sacked by the Wanderers on Tuesday. The decision by the club came after Sliema’s unexpected 1-0 defeat at the hands of Pieta Hotspurs. The Blues had earlier lost their only other match to bottom placed Mqabba. Azzopardi has been without a football job since early this year when Birkirkara decided to give him the sack, appointing John Buttigieg instead.

At present Sliema are in second place, one point behind leaders Floriana who, however, have today’s match against Birkirkara in hand. Following this match will be another interesting encounter between Valletta and Marsaxlokk.

Tomorrow, the opening match on the programme is that between Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians.

Everything points to some interesting matches as every team will now be fighting tooth and nail to earn as much points as possible in the knowledge that these will be halved before the start of the crucial second phase, that is, the Championship Pool and the Relegation Pool.

After this weekend’s clashes, we could see the teams at the top bunched together very close to each other. This afternoon’s Birkirkara-Floriana clash is a case in point as a victory for Birkirkara would bring the Stripes to within two points from the leaders.

And in this sense, one cannot forget that like Birkirkara, four other teams - Valletta, Hibernians, Hamrun S. and Pieta - are all on 12 points.

If the Stripes beat Floriana today, then one would expect Valletta to try and do likewise against Marsaxlokk in the match that follows while an interesting battle should ensue between Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians tomorrow. Also a victory for the Stripes would mean that Stephen Azzopardi could lead his new side to the sole leadership if, as expected, Sliema beat Msida tomorrow.

John Buttigieg’s side, however, will have to find its scoring touch and start winning once again if they are entertaining hopes of remaining in the hunt for the title. Last week against Valletta, they dominated especially in the second half, but had nothing to show at the end for all their efforts - not even one goal which would have saved a point for them.

Floriana also had to struggle to come from behind to earn a point from their match against the Spartans. The Greens, like most of the teams, seem to have been effected by the long lay-off because of the re-seeding of the Ta’ Qali Stadium surface and the international matches.

Valletta were boosted by their victory over the Stripes and their numerous fans hope that they will continue on their winning trend from now on. But against Marsaxlokk, it is going to be tough, even if the champions (and Hibernians) have been the longest out of action due to the above mentioned reasons.

Despite last week’s setback against Pieta, Sliema should be considered firm favourites to win the three points against lowly Msida St Joseph. The latter did well to beat Mqabba by the odd goal in seven but will also have to improve considerably, especially at the back, if they are to battle till the end for a Top Six placing.

Hamrun and Hibernians will be battling it out to try and improve their placing in the standings. With the Paolites out of action for such a long time, the Spartans might be able to cash in and register another positive result as the side is slowly, but surely, becoming the revelation side this season.