The Premier League is developing into a very interesting battle this season. This weekend, the eight teams in action will bring the 14th round to an end.
At present, Valletta lead the standings on 28 points from 14 matches, followed by Floriana on 24, Hamrun on 23, Marsaxlokk on 22, Sliema and Hibernians on 21. Birkirkara are further down the standings on 19 points followed by Pieta on 12, Msida on 11 and Mqabba on just three points.
The top match this weekend seems to the first one on today’s card, that is, between second placed Floriana and fourth placed Marsaxlokk, but the match that follows, between Sliema and Hibernians, is also a massive fixture for both teams as they try to win the three points to remain in contention.
It is a battle which does not only concern the Top Six places for the Championship Pool in the second phase, but also another looming ahead in these last four rounds to see who will be accompanying Pieta, Msida and Mqabba in the Relegation Pool.
Valletta, sitting pretty at the top on 28 points, seem to be the only side, so far, to be almost sure of making it to the Championship Pool, but Floriana could be close to achieving their aim if they beat Marsaxlokk this afternoon. The same can be said of Marsaxlokk, but Sliema, Hibernians and Birkirkara will have to wait longer to know their fate. If Marsaxlokk fail to win today, they will also be dragged once again into the fray if the Sliema-Hibs match finishes in a draw and tomorrow Birkirkara beat Pieta.
The clash between Floriana and Birkirkara should be worth watching as the two sides seem to have revived their hopes after their recent matches. Last week, in fact, Floriana beat Sliema and Marsaxlokk overcame Birkirkara to remain firmly on Valletta’s heels, knowing that a positive outcome from today’s match will bring them closer to the leaders, who have played a match more.
It should be a close match between two balanced sides and it could go either way. The Greens face this important clash without experienced defender Krsteski who is suspended.
In the second match, Sliema and Hibernians know they have to win the three points to remain close to the top places.
At present they are both on 21 points, that is, seven behind Valletta, but with today’s game in hand.
Sliema will be handicapped with the absence of international midfielder Roderick Briffa, who is suspended. On their part, Hibernians have no suspended players and Robert Gatt will be able to field his best elements.
Tomorrow, Hamrun Spartans have the chance to consolidate their third position, or maybe, even move into second place if they beat Msida St Joseph and a draw is registered today between Floriana and Marsaxlokk.
The Spartans have surprised even themselves this season, but I will have to be the first one to admit that Marco Gerada’s boys are a reality and cannot be taken for granted any longer.
The Spartans are heading towards a successful season and a further three points tomorrow will almost guarantee them a place among the Top Six in the second phase.
Their opponents, Msida St Joseph, felt aggrieved after their controversial 3-1 defeat at the hands of Valletta last week, and will be expected to try and avoid another defeat, even if the odds are stacked all against them.
The Spartans, however, will have to face this match without the suspended Evano Briffa.
In the second match on the programme, Birkirkara will have the advantage of knowing the results of the teams above them in the standings as they try to recover from their 3-1 defeat against Marsaxlokk, which dropped them to seventh place.
The Stripes will have striker Michael Galea back in their line-up while newcomer Sylla will be expected to start the match in the front line as John Buttigieg hopes to see his strikers scoring the goals that matter.
Pieta will have Quilin Refalo missing through suspension.
It is to be remembered that Pieta had won the first round match 2-1 and will again be looking forward to inflict another defeat on the Stripes, even if they have been mostly unimpressive in their most recent outings.