Valletta were held to a draw by their arch rivals Floriana in their penultimate match of the campaign. The result did not affect the battle for the runner-up place between the same Floriana and Birkirkara despite the latter’s 2-0 win against Marsaxlokk. The issue will finally be decided on Friday when the two teams meet in what has become an Europa League decider.

Henry Brincat takes a look at the situation when all the teams now have one final match to play for the campaign to come to an end.

Saturday will be Celebration Day for Valletta as they will be presented with their Bank of Valletta Cup.

In all probability, Jesmond Zerafa’s troops will remain undefeated – they are firm favourites to beat Tarxien Rainbows or at least avoid defeat.

On Saturday against Floriana, the Lilywhites found themselves in arrears but still found a little energy to fight back and score an equaliser before the interval whistle.

Then it was plain sailing in the second half as they controlled their opponents’ efforts with ease to make sure they remain unbeaten – their only remaining target in the competition, not considering, of course, the FA Trophy.

Valletta have therefore remained the team to beat but that task now remains in the sole hands of Tarxien Rainbows, the citizens’ last opponents in the league this season who they will face again the week after in the FA Trophy semifinal.

The Greens maintained their recent positive run which has seen them soaring to the second place in the standings. However, they will be expected to have a tough time against the Stripes on Friday evening. It will certainly be a closely fought encounter.

Paul Zammit’s boys did well to beat Marsaxlokk and keep up their challenge. They now have a two-point deficit with the Greens and that means they are forced to win next Friday’s encounter to ascertain themselves of a place in the Europa League next season. Otherwise, they will have to wait for the FA Trophy semifinal where they will meet the same Floriana in the hope of reaching the final.

The Stripes will have a sort of consolation because they can qualify for the Europa League through the third place in the league. That, however, can only happen if Valletta and Floriana reach the final. In fact, in that scenario, Valletta will be in the Champions League, Floriana will qualify as finalists (if not the winners) in the Trophy and Birkirkara will also go through via the third place in the league.

On Saturday the Stripes scored two early goals that killed all Marsaxlokk’s hopes of making a fight out of it and then they simply dominated without forcing their way forward to collect the three points.

Zammit’s boys seem to be playing their best football this season, but now it is too late for League purposes though they might get some reward in the FA Trophy.

Marsaxlokk were rattled but after those two early goals they were never given a proper chance to hit back and save the game.

On Friday evening, Hamrun and Tarxien certainly played to honour their fixture. And they did it in the true sense of the word, scoring six goals – three apiece – to keep the small crowd present at Ta’ Qali well entertained.

But one must commend the efforts of these two teams who, with nothing at stake, offered an entertaining game and tried to play good football from start to finish.

The match also turned out to be a good tryout for the Rainbows as they now prepare to face Valletta in a double fixture – first in the last league match on Saturday and then the week after in the FA Trophy semifinal.

Best player

Pablo Doffo

(Floriana)

The Greens’ Argentine midfielder Pablo Doffo is my pick after the penultimate round of the Bank of Valletta Premier League.

He was undoubtedly outstanding last Saturday in the clash against arch rivals Valletta which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Pablo, formerly of Hibernians, had moved to Floriana two seasons ago and since then, he has enabled the side, particularly this season to advance after several seasons in the wilderness.

In fact, after so many years, and also thanks to his most valid contribution the club is on the brink of returning to European football via the Europa League.

Top scorers

15 goals T. Scerri (Valletta),

14 goals A. Effiong (Marsaxlokk)

13 goals D. Nwoke (Floriana), JP Mifsud Triganza (Sliema W.)

12 goals G. Spiteri (Hamrun S.)

11 goals D. Rocha dos Santos (Valletta)

10 goals RS Pacheco de Oliveira (Tarxien R.), D. Mariano Bueno (Tarxien R.)