Three clubs – Marsaxlokk, Qormi and Hamrun Spartans – may finish the first phase with an equal number of points (23).

This will happen if Qormi beat Marsaxlokk and Hamrun overcome Vittoriosa Stars.

But only two places in the Championship as Valletta, Tarxien, Floriana and Birkirkara are already assured of a berth.

So what happens if there is such an occurrence?

If Qormi and Hamrun win, then all three clubs (in the direct encounters) will have the same number of wins and defeats – two each. It is then that the goal difference is taken into consideration and the best placed among them will be declared as winner of the fifth place. A decider will then become necessary to determine the final sixth berth.

It is also a fact that Qormi need to beat Marsaxlokk at least 4-0 to avoid a decider.

So far the results in the direct clashes have been as follows:

Qormi – v. Marsaxlokk 1-0; v. Hamrun 1-3 and 1-2 (one win and two defeats – goal difference 3-5 i.e., -2).

Hamrun - v. Qormi: 3-1 and 2-1; v. Marsaxlokk 1-2 and 2-3 (two wins and two defeats goal difference 8-7, i.e., +1). Hamrun S. 2-1 and 3-2; v. Qormi 0-1 (two wins and one defeat – goal difference 5-4 i.e., +1).