The Bank of Valletta Premier League will definitely take an interesting turn by next Monday after the four scheduled matches are played, three of which are very important especially with regard to the remaining places to be assigned in the Top Six and the Relegation Pool.

Today, Msida St Joseph will be facing Hibernians and it will be followed by the Sliema W.-Pieta H. clash. The remaining part of the programme is being played on Monday when Floriana meet Hamrun Spartans and later Valletta meet Birkirkara.

As everyone might be aware nothing has yet been decided although I am pretty sure that a tight championship race is in the offing this season.

It is still quite possible that the Top Six will start the second phase with a very small gap thus giving all the teams a possible chance to challenge for the title.

At present, Valletta and Marsaxlokk lead the standings on 32 points, followed by Sliema on 29. Floriana are next on 27, Birkirkara have 26, Hibernians have 24, Hamrun 23, Msida 18, Pieta 15 and Mqabba 3. Sliema, Marsaxlokk, Pieta and Mqabba have played a match more.

For Sliema and Pieta today’s match will be the last of the first stage and both will be eager to collect the three points to make sure of starting the second phase with the biggest number of points possible.

Sliema, however, remain the firm favourites to bag the three points even if Pieta’s morale was somewhat lifted recently after their convincing 5-0 win over Mqabba.

Sliema have been unable to produce the desired form from such a talented squad, however, the team is still among the front runners and should improve as the second phase starts.

Today’s opening clash between Msida and Hibernians is much more important.

Msida still hope to avoid the Relegation Pool, even if through a possible decider, but they will have to beat Hibernians today and then Mqabba in their final clash, whilst hoping that the other teams drop important points to keep their hopes alive, especially Hamrun.

Msida have to thank Njongo Priso who has revived their survival hopes in their last matches, especially the 3-2 win over the more fancied Floriana.

Five clubs are still fighting to avoid the Relegation Pool, that is, Floriana, Birkirkara, Hibernians, Hamrun S. and Msida SJ, but only two of them will have to accompany Pieta and Mqabba in the second phase. The other three above them will play in the Championship Pool.