Birkirkara will only have one aim today as they meet runaway leaders Valletta this afternoon in an important clash at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

That is certainly a victory if they are to keep their remote hopes of challenging for the championship title alive.

At present Valletta are enjoying a 10-point lead over their rivals and if the citizens win again today, then the title may already be considered as over and decided, even if a whole second phase still has to start.

The programme this weekend starts with the clash between Hibernians and Marsaxlokk before the Valletta-Birkirkara clash. Tomorrow, in the opening match, Sliema face Vittoriosa Stars, while in the final match on the card, Tarxien Rainbows come up against Qormi.

The match of the week is undoubtedly the clash between Valletta and Birkirkara. The situation is precarious for the Stripes. The pressure is certainly on them as they have the major task of trying to beat the citizens to keep this year’s championship battle alive.

Coach Paul Zammit made it clear on Thursday that his side intends to keep challenging for the title this season and that is why he is confident ahead of today’s clash.

He has asked the club to get two new signings – probably foreigners – after the first four months saw the team being hit by an injury and suspension jinx which has saeen them dropping a lot of points in draws – five from 12 matches.

Zammit is also looking forward to the imminent return of injured players Vukanac, Decesare and Cilia. “These will be like three new other signings as they have played just a little this season having been ruled out through injuries,” said Zammit.

On the other hand, Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa is expecting a strong challenge from Birkirkara. But he is also confident that his side will surmount this difficult obstacle and continue its triumphant march at the top.

Zerafa believes that no match is easy and against Birkirkara it will be even more difficult because of the fact that the Stripes are in need of the three points to maintain their challenge.

The city coach is not planning to make any radical changes to his successful side. But the coach yesterday said that some players are dubious because they are suffering from bouts of ‘flu. “I will only be able to take a decision about their inclusion a few hours before kick off,” he said yesterday.

Zerafa is aiming for consistency this afternoon. “It is important we keep the rhythm we have gained in our opening 12 matches. But it is still very early to say that we have already won the title. We have remained the only unbeaten side in the competition, but one cannot forget that we are not yet at the half way stage,” he added.

In today’s opening match, Hibernians need to return to winning form in their match against Marsaxlokk if they are to avoid serious trouble.

The Paolites had a disastrous last four months in 2010. At the start of this 13th round, they are occupying ninth place in the standings with just eight points from 12 games, only one ahead of bottom placed Vittoriosa Stars.

Mark Miller’s side has been one of the most mediocre sides this season and needs a morale-boosting win to get back to the levels expected of them.

On the other hand, Marsaxlokk will also be eyeing the three points as they seek to move further up the table to keep up their challenge for a Top Six berth in these last six matches.

At present, the southern seasiders are occupying sixth place on 14 points.

Tomorrow, Sliema Wanderers have a relatively good chance of improving their lowly position in the standings as they face bottom club Vittoriosa Stars.

However, the Blues must show better form if they are to conquer the Stars who have become a tough obstacle for any team these last few weeks.

Despite occupying bottom placing, Vittoriosa have been playing some entertaining football and have been unlucky on some occasions when they could have earned more than the seven points they have at present.

In the other match on the programme, Tarxien will be eager to maintain their impressive performances of late to maintain their top placing.

But against Qormi, it will not be an easy task as Stephen Azzopardi’s side is eager to continue challenging for a Top Six berth.

Having beaten Valletta in the friendly tournament last week, Qormi are now looking ahead with fresh enthusiasm but they will certainly need to be at their very best, especially at the back, to keep the Brazilian strike force of the Rainbows at bay.

The Rainbows have been the revelation side of the competition this season. Having collected 23 points from their opening 12 matches, they must be feeling pretty confident of earning a second consecutive berth in the Top Six after last season’s feat.