Paola club Hibernians will be aiming to go back on top of the local Bank of Valletta Premier League standings this afternoon when they take on lowly Tarxien Rainbows in the second match at the Hibs Ground at Corradino.

Valletta became the new leaders on Friday evening after beating eternal rivals Floriana 1-0.

The citizens are leading the standings on 37 points, two ahead of Hibernians and five ahead of Birkirkara. Valletta have played a match more.

The Paolites, the most consistent side in this year’s Premier League, should find no difficulty in beating their neighbours, even if Tarxien will do everything possible to obtain a positive result which would serve them in good stead in their battle against relegation.

In another match this afternoon, Msida St Joseph and Sliema Wanderers will be meeting in an important clash vis-a-vis an eventual berth in the forthcoming Championship Pool.

At present neither of the two teams is ascertained of that place. A victory for Sliema will definitely push them into the Top Six. That could also be said for Msida. A draw will earn Sliema a berth, but Msida will have to wait till tomorrow evening when Birkirkara meet Marsaxlokk.

Marsaxlokk still have a remote chance of making it to the Top Six, but they have to win their two remaining matches, hoping that Msida lose theirs.

If Msida lose today and Marsaxlokk win tomorrow, the clash between the two teams on the final day of the first phase will become a decider.