Valletta FC can make practically sure of the 2010-11 Premier League title this afternoon when they meet second placed Birkirkara in the second match on the programme.

It is a crucial match for both sides – for several reasons – as it has a double effect.

In fact, it is definitely a match which can open the title issue if Birkirkara win and it can also be a sort of title clincher for Valletta if the citizens win the three points.

When one considers what can happen, then one may rest assured that we will be in for a most interesting afternoon at the National Stadium this afternoon.

For in the event of a Birkirkara win, even Floriana can get back into contention if they beat Hamrun in the opening match of the afternoon.

In that case we will have Valletta leading Birkirkara by three points and Floriana sitting dangerously just one point behind the Stripes when seven other matches would still have to be played.

But that will change completely if Valletta win today’s ‘battle’. In that case, the citizens will extend their lead at the top to seven points over Floriana (if the Greens beat Hamrun) and open a nine-point gap between them and Birkirkara.

It is a very interesting situation and all local football enthusiasts will certainly be expecting the two sides to go out and do their best to get the three points at stake.

The citizens have been somewhat inconsistent of late having figured in four draws in recent matches against Hamrun and Marsaxlokk, apart from their win against Floriana.

The absence of Jamie Pace through injury has left its mark on the midfield sector, but today, it will be the defence which will have to be on the alert against the Stripes’ Michael Galea, Rodolfo Kumbrevicius, Ibrahim Babatunde and Emiliano Lattes – whoever will be in Paul Zammit’s starting line-up.

The Stripes coach knows that this is the final chance for his side to get back seriously into the title battle, even if a victory will still keep them three points behind the citizens.

The Stripes clan has been boosted by the welcome news of the return from a long term injury of Trevor Cilia. He is expected to be in the squad today even if he is not expected to start. He had been missing almost from the start of the season.

In the opener this afternoon, Floriana and Hamrun will also be involved in a tight match as both still entertain high hopes of finishing second or third – they are both eyeing a European League berth next season.

It should be a close affair and both are encouraged after some recent good performances with the Greens beating Tarxien 5-1 and the Spartans figuring in two draws against none other than Valletta and Birkirkara.

The two sides are aware that the three points are important for their ambitions.

After all, most football enthusiasts, if not all, still firmly believe that Valletta remain firm favourites for the title while the real battle between the remaining five clubs is that for the second and third places.