Runaway leaders Valletta will be facing another ‘serious’ test from title contenders Sliema this evening at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun (kick-off 7.30pm).

It is a match which could see the citizens extending their four-point lead before their immediate followers, Floriana and Hamrun Spartans will be in action tomorrow.

This week’s seventh round is spread over four days. It started yesterday, continues today, tomorrow and on Monday. There will be no matches on Sunday.

After their defeat of Marsaxlokk last Monday, Valletta have extended their lead at the top to four points and at present they seem to be in a class of their own.

If they win again this evening, then the citizens will open a big seven-point gap which might be unsurmountable even till the end of the campaign.

The citizens started the season on a quiet note, but have gradually improved; so much so that they are already considered a superior outfit. They lost points only in draws against Hibernians and Birkirkara.

But last Monday I thought I was watching the fittest players ever in our football – and that is perhaps the great difference which professionalism brings about and which no other team can match, at least at present.

In the meantime, it is Sliema’s turn to try to stop the rampant citizens. But after their defeat against Tarxien, morale is low even if the club is aware that they have enough talent to offer a strong challenge.

Sliema are on eight points in mid-table, and only a victory this evening will enable them to maintain their challenge near the top of the standings. If they lose, the gap between them and Valletta will be extended to nine points!