The Premier Leagues returns to action this afternoon at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, where Birkirkara and Valletta will be searching for victories as they resume the chase for this year’s league title.

At present, the hunt is restricted to just these two teams after Valletta beat Marsaxlokk 2-1 in their last encounter, thus sending the outgoing champions into third place, five points behind Valletta and four behind Birkirkara.

Today will see the start of the second and final round of the championship and Marsaxlokk will be hoping to see the two teams above them slipping so that they will come back in contention.

However, both Valletta and Birkirkara are favourites to win this afternoon as they will be facing teams struggling to regain form.

In the opening encounter, Birkirkara will be facing Sliema Wanderers, who will definitely finish the season without a major trophy.

It is a good opportunity for the Stripes to maintain the pace at the top in the knowledge that the crunch match will arrive next week. In fact, the Birkirkara-Valletta clash is scheduled for next Saturday.

John Buttigieg’s boys are going from strength to strength and have now also reached the last four in the U*Bet FA Trophy competition. The coach is expected to have almost all his players at his disposal this afternoon.

On his part, Stephen Azzopardi will definitely have defender Jeffrey Chetcuti ruled out through suspension. The former Stripes coach will be hoping to see his side showing improvement after some recent poor performances.

In the second match, Valletta also start firm favourites to win the three points against the Spartans who are occupying the bottom place in the Championship Pool.

The Spartans’ main interest remains the FA Trophy where they have reached the last four, but it is obvious they will be doing their best to register a good run of encouraging results in preparation for next month’s semi-final.

The Citizens, however, will be expected to open all their guns and try to make sure of the three points as early as possible. They have the advantage of knowing the result of the first match involving their main challengers Birkirkara.

A victory for the Stripes will certainly put some pressure on Paul Zammit’s boys, but I cannot see the Lilywhites missing the bus this afternoon.