League leaders Valletta could again extend their lead at the top of the standings tomorrow after their clash with bottom placed Mqabba.

With second placed Sliema and Floriana meeting this afternoon it is evident that a draw will favour the citizens.

Also on today’s programme is the clash between Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara, while in tomorrow’s second encounter, Pieta Hotspurs come up against neighbours Hamrun Spartans.

It should be another interesting weekend for local football followers as the first phase is now nearing its end.

As already said, Valletta could extend their lead tomorrow, though this depends on the outcome of today’s opening clash between Old Firm rivals Sliema and Floriana.

Both Blues and Greens will be expected to go all out to get the three points to remain as close as possible to Valletta.

At present the citizens are four points ahead, though they have played a match more than their rivals. But if a draw ensues today between the two old rivals, then Valletta will have the opportunity to extend their lead to six points with a possible win over Mqabba.

The citizens are not showing the form and style which makes a side a favourite for the title, but the team is still winning the points that matter. After all, it is the points that really count, even if playing good football along the way will not only entertain the crowds, but also bring back some needed confidence in the players’ abilities.

Last Thursday and the previous week against Msida and Hibernians respectively, Valletta were made to fight hard to take away four points – one from a goalless draw against Hibernians and three against Msida.

Against Mqabba tomorrow, the citizens are not expected to falter, even if Mqabba showed improvement in their last match against Hibernians on Thursday where they were considered unlucky to have lost all the three points.

The Sliema-Floriana match is the most important clash of the weekend. Not only the rivalry between the two sides is involved here: there are also three very important points at stake and the winner will be in a good position to start the second phase close to the leadership.

Both teams are expected to field their best formations even if Floriana will have Adrian Mifsud missing, now that he has returned to his former club Hibernians.

On their part, Sliema are expected to include Brazilian Andre Da Silva, formerly of Floriana, Tarxien and Hibernians, as well as defender Branko Nisevic and Julian Vella, all signed in midweek.

In today’s second match, Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara will also be battling for three precious points in their quest to remain close to the top as much as possible.

At present, both teams are six points away from Valletta though they have this match in hand. Even here, the winners will make a good step forward in their quest to start the championship pool phase in a challenging position.

Tomorrow, Hamrun Spartans also seem to have a good opportunity to continue securing their good position and improve their hopes of finishing among the Top Six when they take on lowly Pieta Hotspurs.

This derby should be a close affair, however, Pieta need to show a marked improvement if they are to entertain hopes of upsetting the Spartans who are on an eight-match positive run.

Hamrun have been the biggest surprise this season. It is true they made the Top Six their main target, but at present, they seem to be good enough to challenge for a place in one of next season’s European club competitions, if not for the title as well.