With the Premier League resuming action this evening, it is imperative for Birkirkara to beat Floriana in the second match to consolidate second place in the standings.

With two matches still to go and with Valletta already crowned champions, the only other issue remaining is that concerning second and third places.

The second place offers an automatic berth in next season’s UEFA Cup, while the third could also mean the second berth, if either Valletta or Birkirkara win the Trophy. In that case (always if Birkirkara finish as runners-up in the league), then the third placed club will go into the UEFA Cup.

The other two teams contesting the second and third places are Marsaxlokk and Sliema W. At present, Birkirkara have 30 points, Marsaxlokk 29 and Sliema 28.

Considering the remaining programme for these three clubs, it may still go to the wire, even if by tomorrow, Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk could retain their lead over Sliema, who on Saturday, will be facing champions Valletta.

Tomorrow, Marsaxlokk are also favourites to beat Hamrun Spartans. On the final day of the competition, it will be Birkirkara-Hamrun, Marsaxlokk-Valletta and Sliema-Floriana.

Full programme

Today

Ta’ Qali: 6pm Mqabba-Msida St Joseph; 8pm Birkirkara-Floriana

Tomorrow

Ta’ Qali: Hibernians-Pieta H.; 8pm Hamrun S.-Marsaxlokk

Saturday

Ta’ Qali: 5pm Valletta-Sliema W.

Six players banned

Six Premier League players have been banned one match each and therefore will be missing the last but one game of their respective clubs.

They are Joseph Zerafa of Birkirkara, Charlo Magro of Marsaxlokk, Karl Pulo and Galabov Rumen Angelov of Pieta, Alex Muscat of Sliema and Frank Temile of Valletta.