When Valletta meet their arch rivals Floriana this afternoon, their main aim will be to maintain their proud unbeaten record.
With the championship being won by Valletta and Vittoriosa Stars relegated, the battle for the runner-up place remains the only issue to be played for but that could also be decided today.
The programme sees Birkirkara facing Marsaxlokk in the opening match and Valletta then meeting Floriana in the second clash.
At present, Floriana are in second place four points ahead of the Stripes and it is obvious that Birkirkara must win their clash against Marsaxlokk to maintain their hopes of challenging the Greens till the very end, of course, if the Greens are beaten by Valletta.
If Birkirkara lose against Marsaxlokk, Floriana will be ascertained of that second place which also means an Europa League berth next season. A draw for Birkirkara against Marsaxlokk and a defeat for Floriana against Valletta will mean that the Greens will have their lead cut to three points. That situation will make the last encounter between both teams next week decisive. In that scenario, a victory for Birkirkara against Floriana will see the two teams finishing on the same number of points and therefore a decider will become necessary to determine the runner-up place.
This afternoon, Birkirkara must make sure not to lose the three points. That would spell the end to their hopes of finishing second and grabbing that Europa League berth.
Their advantage is that they are well aware of Floriana’s difficult match against Valletta.
But the Stripes are also aware that they need a victory just in case Floriana manage to take away a point off Valletta. That would certainly keep them in contention considering next week’s direct clash.
Marsaxlokk have nothing to play for now that they also have no chance for that spot following their unexpected defeat at the hands of Tarxien last week. Their season will come to an end next week when they play their final encounter. The southern seasiders’ only aim might be that of finishing third.
In the other match, Valletta will certainly be going all out to obtain another victory against their eternal rivals, but their main aim will be that of keeping their unbeaten record intact. They have now gone 26 league matches without defeat and they are only two matches away from finishing the competition unbeaten.
On the other hand, Floriana will be looking forward to spoiling Valletta’s applecart and thus making sure of their place in European football next season – after a long absence.
The Greens are passing through a bright patch and their enthusiasm seems to have no limit at present. But they are also aware that City have been their major stumbling block for several years and they know that they have a very tough hurdle to overcome.