Current leaders Valletta and immediate followers Marsaxlokk meet tomorrow in what is expected to be a big battle for the top place at the end of the first round of this second phase – the Championship Pool.

At present, Valletta enjoy a two-point lead over Marsaxlokk and this means that Valletta need just a draw to keep their lead at the top. But it also means that it could push third placed Birkirkara closer to the top if the Stripes were to beat Hamrun Spartans this afternoon.

Birkirkara are still firmly in contention, four points behind Valletta and seem to be well prepared to take advantage of any slip by the citizens – or Marsaxlokk. It is evident that if they win today and a draw is the result of tomorrow’s top encounter, then they would join Marsaxlokk in second place, just two points behind the leaders when a full second round is still to be played.

In other matches at the weekend, Sliema take on their eternal rivals Floriana this afternoon, while in the Relegation Pool clash tomorrow, Hibernians can easily make sure of survival by beating bottom-placed Mqabba.

The top match, however, is that between the front runners, Valletta and Marsaxlokk. The citizens coach Paul Zammit will miss the services of in-form Frank Temile in attack as he is suspended, while Brian Talbot should have all his players at his disposal for this important match.

The champions seem to have the more compact line-up among the championship contenders, but Valletta have probably shown more consistency.

Without putting any houses on fire, the citizens have been getting the necessary results which have kept them on top for most of the season so far and they will not be expected to slip up so easily at this stage of the competition.

Zammit is aware of the difficult task ahead of his players tomorrow and could be expected to line up a formation which will show caution meaning, perhaps, that he might opt to include just one striker in the form of Sebastian Monesterolo with Gilbert Agius just behind him.

Valletta’s main strength usually lies in attack where the Argentine striker and Temile are a fearful duo, but with the latter ruled out, Zammit will probably turn to the defence in an effort to keep the current champions at bay.

Marsaxlokk, on their part, are aware that a victory tomorrow will not only put them in charge at the top, but it will also put them in a strong position as they seem to have a relatively easier programme in the forthcoming matches.

Birkirkara must win today’s match against Hamrun Spartans if they are to continue with their bold challenge for the title.

The Stripes coach John Buttigieg will also be missing Alan Tabone who is suspended, but they will probably include Davy Sylla alongside in form Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza in the hope of repeating a victory as the one they registered in the second round of the first phase – a comfortable 5-0 win.

The Spartans have no further interest in the title race. They have remained winless so far in their opening four matches, but they could still try to earn a berth in next year’s UEFA Intertoto Cup competition for which they have applied.

The Stripes have been one of the main surprises this season, even if they only managed to ‘grab’ their place in the Championship Pool at the last gasp following a goalless draw with Floriana.

Yet, in this opening round of the second phase, they have been one of the best sides, collecting three wins and a draw, 10 points which have pushed the side up to third place and still well placed to challenge for the title.

Also today, Sliema face eternal rivals Floriana – two sides who have been showing disappointing form of late.

The Blues, like Floriana, have now lost practically all interest in the title. After last week’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Valletta, they are a full nine points behind the leaders and it will take a miracle to see them getting back in contention.

Moreover, it is also known that neither Sliema nor Floriana have applied to take part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup competition. Therefore their remaining hope for a place in Europe is probably through the FA Trophy.

As already stated, Hibernians could secure their place in next year’s Premier League – even if no one doubted it – by beating bottom placed Mqabba tomorrow.

The Paolites have had a disastrous season, but like Sliema and Floriana, could still save their season with an FA Trophy win.