The Premier League takes a rest this weekend and it will be the turn of the U*Bet FA Trophy to be in the limelight with the four quarter-finals being played between today and tomorrow.
Today, Hamrun Spartans will be eyeing a berth in the semi-finals as they take on the only first division survivors, Dingli Swallows, in the opening match. Immediately after, League leaders Valletta will be facing Hibernians.
Tomorrow, in the opening match, Sliema and Floriana meet again after last week’s league clash, but this time the match is expected to be more keenly contested. Soon after, Birkirkara will be facing Marsaxlokk in what should be another tight affair.
For Hibernians, Sliema and Floriana, it is certainly an important weekend. With all three out of contention for a place in Europe next season due to their low league places, it is evident that this competition may prove to be their saviour this time round.
Hibernians have had to play in the Relegation Pool while Sliema and Floriana, apart from being distanced considerably from the top three places, also failed to apply to take part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, a place which might eventually go to Hamrun, if needs be.
For the Paolites, they will first have to overcome the Valletta hurdle to maintain any hopes they might have of clinching a second Trophy in succession. Last year they had triumphed over Sliema in a dramatic final, scoring an equaliser just before the end, forcing extra time and then winning 4-1 on penalties.
The Paolites are well known for being a team capable of rising to the occasion and I have no doubt that they will be offering stiff opposition to the citizens.
The latter are riding the crest of the waves following their 2-1 win over Marsaxlokk last week, which left them in a very comfortable position at the top of the Premier League standings, four points ahead of Birkirkara and five over Marsaxlokk.
Of course, the citizens will be eyeing a win in an effort to maintain their strong challenge for a memorable double. And as such, I forecast an interesting clash which could go either way.
In today’s opening match, Hamrun Spartans should start favourites against Dingli, but they cannot take anything for granted.
The Spartans were battered by Birkirkara in their last encounter on Saturday and must be at their very best to eliminate one of the teams most in form at present in the first division.
However, Dingli may find the going tough against the Spartans who certainly possess more experienced players among their ranks.
Tomorrow, Sliema and Floriana will also be eyeing a place in Europe when they clash, and with that in mind, they will be expected to go all out in their efforts to go all the way – till the very end.
They are both aware that they have had a topsy turvy season and this seems to be their last chance to avoid another disappointment for their brave fans.
The Blues will also have revenge on their minds after last week’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of their old and eternal rivals.
The Greens will have to play without Simon Agius and Darko Krsteski who are suspended.
The match that follows between Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk should also be a closely knit affair with Marsaxlokk possibly showing more concentration on this competition which they still have to win for a first time.
The last time they met in the league a fortnight ago, Birkirkara claimed the points after top striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza scored a late winner.