Birkirkara face a crunch match this evening against newly crowned champions Valletta at the National Stadium Ta’ Qali (kick-off 7.30pm).

It is a must win game for the Stripes who are still in contention for the runner-up place, though they are now five points behind second placed Floriana, but with today’s match in hand.

If the Stripes miss the bus today, then Floriana will be very close to ascertaining themselves of an Europa League placing, even if their final two matches are against Valletta and the same Birkirkara.

While Valletta have now made sure of their 20th title in the club’s glorious history and can therefore play with great tranquillity, Paul Zammit’s boys will be under pressure not to miss any points from today’s clash.

To do so, however, they will have to lower Valletta’s colours for the first time this season – in fact, the citizens are still unbeaten after 25 league matches.

And they will certainly be looking forward to preserve that proud unbeaten record till the end of the campaign.

Birkirkara will have to face this match without influential midfielder Paul Fenech who is ruled out through suspension.

It is definitely a setback for the Stripes as they try not only to inch closer to Floriana, but also to inflict a first defeat on the champions.

If Birkirkara suffer defeat, they will still remain in contention. And to finish second they have to beat Marsaxlokk next Saturday and then Floriana in their final match, hoping also that Valletta will also beat the Greens next Saturday.