The two ends of the Premier League – top and bottom – may get a clearer picture of what one might expect in the remaining few weeks of competition after this weekend’s programme.
There is no doubt that the Valletta-Hibernians top-of-the-table clash next Monday evening is the highlight of the programme, but even the Relegation clashes being played today and tomorrow will probably shed a new light on the final outcome, although nothing will probably be decided.
In the other matches between the third to sixth placed clubs in the Championship Pool, the only interest is centred on the final placings with the third and fourth eventually landing a berth in next season’s Europa League.
The top match is obviously that being played on Monday where Hibernians can lay a very big claim to this year’s title if they beat Valletta. At present the Paolites are enjoying a six-point lead over the citizens, but there are six other matches to be played before the end of the competition.
Nothing is decided yet. Far from it. But if the Paolites win and enlarge their gap to nine points, then it will be practically impossible for Valletta to continue challenging seriously for the title.
On the other hand, the title race will become open if Valletta manage to inflict a rare defeat on the Paolites as the gap will then be reduced to just three points, in the knowledge that five matches will still have to be played.
It is a match where tension will reign supreme on the field of play. The citizens are forced to attack in search of an important victory which will enable them to keep their hopes alive, while the Paolites are well aware that even a draw will provide them with a lot of satisfaction as they will remain six points ahead of their opponents. So while the citizens are seeking just one result - a victory is a must – the Paolites will be happy with a draw and even better a win.
It is a situation which favours Mark Miller’s boys – a team which is going from strength to strength vis-vis their rivals. This has been amply shown in most of their matches this season, including last Monday’s difficult and hard-earned win against Birkirkara.
One thing which is certainly in favour of Valletta is the fact that the Paolites have not yet beaten Valletta this season. Paul Zammit and his boys are aware of this and will be doing their best to improve the situation.
The two bottom clubs in the Championship Pool, Marsaxlokk and Floriana meet each other today, in the knowledge that a victory will get them very close to fourth placed Sliema who will, in turn, be in action tomorrow afternoon against third placed Birkirkara.
At present, Birkirkara have 22 points, five ahead of Sliema who are on 17. Marsaxlokk follow on 14 points and Floriana have 13.
In the Relegation Pool, bottom placed Qormi can give themselves a lifeline if they manage to beat Tarxien Rainbows.
At present with three matches to go, Hamrun lead the standings with 15 points, followed by Tarxien on 14, Msida on 12 and Qormi on 11.
Victories for Qormi today and Msida tomorrow (against Hamrun) will keep the four clubs bunched together with just one point separating them.
That would make the remaining fixtures very interesting to watch as these will become real battles for salvation. But we will all have to wait and see the outcome of this weekend’s clashes first.
Both Qormi and Msida are under pressure to win their matches, but Hamrun and Tarxien are also well aware that a victory on their part will probably mean safety.