Tomorrow’s derby between Valletta and Floriana at the National Stadium takes centre stage in this weekend’s BOV Premier League programme.

Not only because of the sporting rivalry between the two neighbours from the capital and its suburb but also because Floriana have re-emerged as Valletta’s main challengers after their win against Hamrun Spartans last week lifted them in second place in the standings.

The gap of seven points between the two teams may still be significant, although not unassailable, but Floriana will be more than happy to inflict the first defeat on the leaders this season. A win for the Greens would also keep them well on track for a place in European competition.

Valletta remain unbeaten in 21 league matches, boasting the best Premier League attack as well as defence and have been the most consistent team overall. These are all credentials of a title winning side and victory for Valletta tomorrow will practically put the seal on the championship.

Valletta will be without their suspended key midfielder Jamie Pace after being sent off against Birkirkara, but the leaders have strength in depth in their squad.

Three teams, Floriana (20), Marsaxlokk (19) and Birkirkara (18) are only separated by two points and therefore today’s second match between Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara (kick off 4pm) has equally significant importance for second place.

The defending champions have been struggling in this year’s campaign to maintain last season’s momentum. They have only won against Tarxien Rainbows in their last five matches, losing to Qormi and Valletta and drawing against Hamrun Spartans. They will be hoping that the return of last season’s Player of the Year, Trevor Cilia, on his way to full recovery, will give them the required impetus to save the Stripes from a disappointing season.

Ominously for their opponents, Marsaxlokk are in good shape at the moment, still unbeaten in 2011, in a stretch of 10 matches since December. Alfred Effiong and Rumen Galabov are set to make a return after suspension and this continues to bolster Patrick Curmi’s side who are performing above expectations up to now.

Marsaxlokk have twice beaten Birkirkara this season (5-2 and 2-0) and therefore the Stripes have quite a score to settle.

The other match in the Championship Pool being played tomorrow is between the fifth and sixth placed teams. Tarxien Rainbows vs Hamrun Spartans kicks off at 2pm.

Tarxien have lost all their three matches played so far in the Championship Pool, conceding nine goals in the process. Their early season form has deserted them and the decline in form of their Brazilians, with the exception of Cristiano Rodriguez, has rendered their football less attractive. Defender Justin Grioli is suspended for this match.

Hamrun also need to restore some pride after their damaging defeat against Floriana (2-0) last week. The fact that it came after two encouraging draws against leaders Valletta and champions Birkirkara, was the more surprising. Their inept defending led to their downfall and this match against Tarxien may be a good chance to improve upon their performance and return to winning ways.

Today’s first match at 2pm might give the final relegation verdict. Only a win against Sliema Wanderers will prolong Vittoriosa Stars’ condemnation to First Division football.

The gap between the two sides is eight points and a Sliema win will widen that to an unassailable 11, with only three matches for each team still to play in the Relegation Pool. Let us hope that the Stars will give yet another spirited performance and survive for at least another day!