Two more matches are being played today – the third of the four-day programme which extends till next Monday (there will be no Premier League matches tomorrow).

Both matches are to be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun. At 2pm, Floriana face Tarxien Rainbows, while in the match that follows, at 4pm, Marsaxlokk take on Hamrun Spartans.

Both are important as the competitions hots up with every match being played.

Floriana and Tarxien will both be looking forward to remain on the winning track. Both are coming from victories – Floriana beat Qormi 1-0 and Tarxien defeat Sliema 2-1 in their last encounters.

It is obvious that the two sides are bubbling with enthusiasm at present. Floriana are on 10 points while Tarxien have seven. With their main aim being that of finishing among the top six for a Championship Pool place in the second phase, then one expects a balanced encounter.

The same may be said of the second match on today’s card as Marsaxlokk will be facing Hamrun Spartans.

The southern seasiders are looking forward to bounce back in contention after their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Valletta on Monday.

In that match, Marsaxlokk failed to provide a decent challenge to a superior Valletta side and now look forward to this match to get their campaign back on track.

Hamrun Spartans drew their last match against Birkirkara. At present, they have 10 points, one more than Marsaxlokk.

The Spartans, however, will have to show improvement over last week’s performance when they played more of a cautious match against the Stripes.