Runaway league leaders Valletta may extend their handsome 12-point lead at the top of the standings this weekend.

With their (closest) followers facing matches in which they could drop more points, Valletta will be facing mid-table Marsaxlokk.

The programme starts today at the national stadium with the clash between Birkirkara and Hamrun quickly followed by the match between Valletta and Marsaxlokk.

Tomorrow, at the Hibernians Stadium, Hibernians face Vittoriosa in the opener, while Floriana meet Qormi in the second match of the afternoon. On Monday evening, at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Sliema will face Tarxien Rainbows.

Since December, it has become more than evident that the real battle in this year’s competition is that for second and third places which will guarantee a place in the Europa League next season. That, however, is being preceded by the battle for the right to play in the Championship Pool when the second phase arrives.

Everyone admits that Valletta are living in a different street this season. Although it is true that they have not yet won the title and it is still a long way before they can claim it, it is obvious that their level is well above all that of the others.

In fact, I think it is only Valletta alone who can lose the title as things are at present. So far, there have been no real challengers. So superior are the citizens, that they have remained unbeaten in 14 matches and it is no secret that coach Jesmond Zerafa’s target is to win the title unbeaten.

Against Marsaxlokk today, Valletta again start as firm favourites, especially after the southern seasiders were sent crashing out of the FA Trophy by bottom placed Vittoriosa in midweek.

Patrick Curmi’s boys will have to lift their standards considerably if they are to provide a serious threat to the rampant citizens.

Today’s first match could see Birkirkara and Hamrun dropping further points in the race for a Top Six berth.

At present Birkirkara are occupying fourth place on 20 points, four points behind second placed Tarxien and Floriana and just one ahead of the Spartans who are fifth on 19.

It should be a balanced match between two sides eager to return to winning form after two consecutive defeats.

The Stripes will probably parade their new midweek signings – central defender Andrei Agius and Brazilian striker Rodolfo Kumbrevicius, also known as Alemao.

Tomorrow, the match between Hibernians and Vittoriosa Stars will present an opportunity for both teams, especially the Paolites, to improve their lowly position.

A victory for the Stars will push them on the 10-point mark, though still remaining at the bottom, while if the victory goes the other way, the Paolites will go on to 15 points and therefore closer to a place in the Top six, making it an ever more interesting battle in the final three matches.

The two sides, especially Vittoriosa, are brimming with confidence after their midweek victories in the FA Trophy. The Stars defeated Marsaxlokk convincingly 3-0, while Hibernians defeated first division side St Andrews 3-2, albeit thanks to a very late goal.

The other match tomorrow is the clash between Floriana and Qormi.

The two sides are aware of the importance of winning the three points. For Floriana, a Top six berth will become almost certain while for Qormi the three points will enable them to remain in the hunt, even if they will still be among the last four. However, the yellow blacks have to return to winning form after almost two months. Their last win dates back to 28 November when they defeated Marsaxlokk 1-0.

On Monday evening, Tarxien will be hoping to return to winning form after losing against Valletta as they face a Sliema side, eager to win a further three points in their quest to move into a Top Six position.

Sliema managed to escape from a defeat last week against Vittoriosa, turning a 2-3 deficit into a 4-3 win with two goals in injury time.

On the other hand, Tarxien played some good football in midweek as they eliminated Hamrun Spartans from the FA Trophy.