An interest programme is in store at the weekend, especially this afternoon, as Valletta and Sliema will be battling for top place in the standings, despite both facing different opponents.

A victory this afternoon for Sliema Wanderers against Hamrun Spartans will enable the Blues to move to the top of the standings, one point ahead of Valletta. But the citizens could return to the top immediately afterwards when they face Hibernians. A victory would again push them one point ahead of Sliema, while a draw would put them on a par with the Blues. However, by the end of today’s programme, Sliema will still have a match in hand over their rivals.

A glance at the standings shows that seven teams are separated by just five points and this could lead to an exciting second round of the first phase and, of course, a big battle for the top six places for a place in the Championship Pool.

Weather permitting, today’s programme starts with the Sliema-Hamrun match quickly followed by the Hibernians-Valletta game. Tomorrow, Floriana should return to winning form when facing bottom-placed and hapless Mqabba while in the match that follows, Msida will try to regain some lost prestige in an important match against Pieta Hotspurs.

Today’s programme is undoubtedly the most interesting as Sliema will be expected to go all out and gain the three points against the Spartans.

However, Stephen Azzopardi’s side is well aware that the Spartans will be no easy cushion. Marco Gerada’s boys are aware that by beating the Blues, they would join them in second place in the standings on 19 points.

If that happens, then Valletta will be able to extend their lead to four points if they beat Hibernians in the next match. Here, the Paolites, who are on 17 points, could move to second position, just one point behind Valletta, if Sliema lose and they beat Valletta.

Robert Gatt will have to do without Edafe Uzeh who is suspended.

In tomorrow’s matches, Floriana will do well to beat Mqabba and restore their lost confidence while Msida need a win against Pieta to boost their low morale.