Current League leaders Hibernians may be expected to extend their slim one-point lead over Valletta at the weekend.

The Paolites today face mid-table placed Mqabba on the opening day of the eighth round of games, while the citizens face a strong challenge from third placed Floriana on Sunday.

In other matches, bottom placed Mosta face Sliema today after the Hibs-Mqabba clash. Tomorrow, Qormi face Marsaxlokk before Birkirkara take on Hamrun Spartans. On Sunday before the Valletta-Floriana clash, Tarxien Rainbows face Balzan Youths.

At present, after seven matches, Hibernians lead the standings on 19 points, one ahead of Valletta. Floriana follow on 16, Sliema 12, Qormi, Birkirkara and Mqabba three, Marsaxlokk and Hamrun seven, Balzan five, Tarxien 4 and Mosta one point.

It is evident that most of this weekend’s clashes will be really worth watching.

Starting today, Hibernians should be considered favourites to beat Mqabba, but with the latter defying all critics with some good performances, no one can really predict the outcome.

The Paolites have not had such a good start to a season as this year. They have found their best finisher in Luis Edison dos Santos since the days of Terence Scerri, that is, before the latter joined Valletta FC.

They owe most of their points to this Brazilian striker whose deadly finishing has been one of the highlights so far this season in the Premier League.

Mark Miller’s boys will certainly be eager to maintain their winning stance in the knowledge that Valletta may stumble against their arch rivals Floriana on Sunday.

But first they have to get the better of Mqabba who are, no doubt, the revelation side this season.

Clive Mizzi’s team will certainly not throw in the towel so easily. They are certainly aware of the difficult task they have ahead of them, but I am sure they will be doing their best to maintain their current form.

In today’s other match, Sliema should return to winning form as they face bottom placed Mosta.

The Wanderers were surprisingly beaten by Hamrun the past weekend, while Mosta might have expected their sixth defeat – at the hands of leaders Hibernians.

Tomorrow, the opening match sees Qormi facing Marsaxlokk.

In this match, Qormi will be seeking to return to winning form after their unexpected defeat at the hands of Mqabba while, on the other hand, Marsaxlokk will be looking ahead towards a second victory in succession to continue moving up the standings.

In the second match, Hamrun and Birkirkara also have the same aim – they will be going out to get the three points.

Hamrun want to confirm the great revival seen in the second half against Sliema last week. It enabled them to obtain a 4-2 win.

On the other hand, Birkirkara will also be looking forward to gain the three points after their defeat against Valletta.

Paul Zammit’s return was not a positive one, but the side showed more spirit than previous matches and one only expects them to improve from now on.

On Sunday, Tarxien and Balzan should figure in a balanced encounter with the Rainbows trying to seize the chance to beat their rivals and overtake them in the standings.

In the second match on the card, Valletta will again have to battle hard to get the better of their arch rivals Floriana.

If the citizens win, they will remain second (provided Hibs beat Mqabba today), but they will be overtaken by the Greens if the latter win Sunday’s match.

Both Valletta and the Greens are enthusiastic after last week’s clashes. Valletta were more than satisfied to have brushed aside a strong Birkirkara challenge, while Floriana showed character to come from behind to beat Balzan 3-1.

Today’s programme

Victor Tedesco Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Hibernians-Mqabba; 8pm Mosta-Sliema W.

Luxol Stadium: Bank of Valletta first division 6pm Birzebbuga SP-Pieta H.; 8pm St Patrick-St George’s

Centenary Stadium: Bank of Valletta second division 7pm Gzira U.-Mellieha