Valletta should edge closer to the 20th title in their glorious history as they face Championship Pool bottom club Hamrun Spartans this evening at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

The citizens are very close to be declared champions well before the end of the competition. In fact, this is expected to happen next week – a full three rounds before the campaign comes to an end.

If Valletta win today, they will open a 13 point gap over Floriana and will be 14 points above third placed Marsaxlokk. These two teams meet on Saturday in a crucial match – not for the championship, but for the runner-up place which means an Europa League berth next season.

Even if Valletta are failing to produce any scintillating performances, they are still getting the points that matter with every enthusiast – including their opponents - conceding that they are the strongest and most consistent outfit this season. No wonder they have remained unbeaten.

This evening, against the Spartans, Jesmond Zerafa’s boys will troop out to make sure of the points as early as possible.

It should be another formal match for the runaway league leaders as the Spartans will also be missing the services of striker Dyson Falzon, suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner earlier this week.

On the other hand, Valletta are expected to be at full strength.