The last weekend of the first phase in this year’s Premier League is certainly characterised by the big scramble for points which local enthusiasts will be able to witness between today and tomorrow.
The most important day is tomorrow where three matches will be played from which the final two clubs to play in the Championship Pool will emerge.
The MFA did well to change the programme, having all the three matches played at the same time, on the same day and at different venues.
The most important match is that between Qormi and Marsaxlokk at the Hibernians Stadium, while Hamrun face Vittoriosa Stars at the National Stadium. At the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun, Sliema take on Hibernians. All the three matches start at 3pm.
We have a very interesting situation where also Sliema still have a remote chance of making it into the Top Six, albeit depending on the results of the other matches.
In fact, Sliema need to beat Hibernians and then hope that Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa Stars beat Qormi and Hamrun respectively. Such a situation will see Marsaxlokk possibly finishing fifth (or even fourth, depending on the result of today’s Birkirkara-Tarxien match) on 26 points, while the Blues will end up on 22 points in sixth place, as Qormi and Hamrun will remain on 20 points, thus being condemned to the Relegation Pool.
If Sliema win, a draw will not be enough for Qormi and Hamrun either. In fact, in that case, Sliema will finish on 22 points, one point ahead of the two teams, who will finish on 21.
It is a desperate situation for these clubs as they will be chasing the final precious points of this first phase. It will be a battle royale for the placings, but it does not only involve the above mentioned teams. Even those who already know their fate, and these include Hibernians and Vittoriosa Stars (Relegation Pool) will be fighting tooth and nail to obtain the points in the knowledge that the total will be halved at the start of the second phase.
Hamrun and Sliema must be aware of this situation and cannot take things for granted in their matches against Vittoriosa and Hibernians respectively.
The Stars, for example, know that a victory will enable them to maintain their fight against the Drop in the second phase as they will narrow the gap with those above them.
Even Hibernians will have the same ideas when playing against Sliema as Mark Miller’s boys will be eager to keep a distance from bottom placed Vittoriosa.
The Marsaxlokk-Qormi clash is expected to be the toughest of them all as both teams are still in search of the three points for a Top Six berth.
And Qormi, having splashed out extensively to acquire the services of Michael Mifsud till the end of the season, will certainly be highly disappointed if they fail to beat Marsaxlokk.
They have some advantages, however. First of all they know that they have to win by at least four goals to avoid a decider. And they will be facing a heavily depleted side, handicapped by the absence of four key players – Rumen Galabov, Andre Spiteri, Gareth Sciberras and Martin Deanov– all suspended.
Marsaxlokk will certainly feel the absence of these four regulars, but they will not be throwing in the towel so easily, though faced by ‘might’ Michael Mifsud among Qormi’s striking force.
Sliema will also have Obiefule suspended for their clash against Hibernians, while Hamrun’s duo of Massimo Grima and Dene Shields will have to sit out the clash against Vittoriosa. They are also suspended.
Today’s matches will define places two to four in the standings.In the opening match, fourth placed Birkirkara (26) come up against second placed Tarxien Rainbows (28), while in the following match, Valletta take on arch rivals Floriana who are placed third on 27 points.
Birkirkara can finish second if they beat Tarxien and Floriana lose against Valletta. Tarxien will have striker Daniel Mariano Bueno ruled out through suspension.
The Valletta-Floriana clash is always a fiery encounter and this afternoon’s clash will certainly be no exception.
After their defeat against Sliema, the Greens will be looking forward to give the citizens a good run for their money.
But Valletta will certainly have other ideas. In fact, they are well aware that they can still extend their lead further at the top even if they know already that they will start the Championship Pool with a handsome six-or seven-point lead.