Two very important matches are being played today at the national stadium as the Premier League resumes after the break for the international tournament.

In the top match, second placed Marsaxlokk face third placed Sliema Wanderers while in an earlier match – the first on the card – Birkirkara take on Hamrun Spartans in a crucial clash for a place either in the Top Six or in the Relegation Pool.

Tomorrow, Floriana also have the chance to make sure of a Top Six place when they face Msida, while Pieta and Mqabba meet in a bottom of the table clash.

The Sliema-Marsaxlokk match is undoubtedly the most important of them all.

The champions will certainly be going all out to take maximum points from this clash so as to overtake Valletta at the top, apart from extending the gap between them and the Wanderers.

A glance at the standings show Valletta leading on 32 points, followed by Marsaxlokk on 31 and Sliema next on 28. Floriana follow in fourth place on 27.

But it is not only Marsaxlokk who will be seeking the three points. Sliema are also aware of their potential and they know that three points from today’s match will put them in a very strong position to challenge for the title.

The Blues missed two important points from their clash against Valletta recently as the Citizens scored a late equaliser.

Stephen Azzopardi’s side has to start winning once again if they are to start the Championship Pool as close as possible to the leaders.

In today’s opening clash, Birkirkara and Hamrun clash in a decisive encounter.

At present, both have 23 points, one below Hibernians who have 24 points, but the Stripes and the Spartans have today’s match in hand over their rivals.

A victory for either side will be a step forward to see them obtaining a Top Six place, whilst pushing the losers to a Relegation Pool place, but not everything will be decided as everything will depend on the outcome of the remaining matches of this first phase.

Both sides are aware that this is a must-win clash and are giving it the deserved attention.

Tomorrow, Floriana seem to have a good chance of assuring themselves of a Top Six place when facing Msida St Joseph.

The latter still have a relatively small chance of battling for a Top Six place, but they will have to win all their matches while hoping for all other results of matches involving the teams above them to also go in their favour.

In the final match on the card, bottom clubs Pieta and Mqabba will face each other with Pieta hoping to win the three points to keep as close as possible to those above them when playing in the Relegation Pool.