Valletta and Sliema Wanderers meet this evening at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in a match in which both teams will be looking forward to the three points.

It is an important match for both teams and it is the opening match of the ninth round of games of the first phase.

At present, Valletta are in second place, one point behind leaders Hibernians, while the Wanderers have dropped down to sixth place after their recent debacles against Hamrun and Mosta.

The citizens are aware that a victory this evening will put them back in top position, two points ahead of the Paolites, who will have a match in hand, however. In fact, the Paolites will be in action on Sunday against Hamrun Spartans. If they win, they will remain leaders after this ninth round.

Valletta are boosted by their victory over arch rivals Floriana last Sunday as well as the return to the team of Ryan Fenech after having been suspended for the last three matches.

The citizens are not setting any houses on fire, but they have been dominating their matches. Their fans are eager to see the side playing better football and scoring more goals, especially with a strike force that includes Michael Mifsud, William Barbosa and Denni Rocha dos Santos.

But after all, it is the result that counts. That was the case against Floriana where the citizens did not enthuse up front, but were so strong at the back that they never allowed Floriana to get close to scoring throughout the 90 minutes.

Sliema are one of the most inconsistent sides this season. On paper, they have a strong squad which should have been among the front runners for the title. But they have been a flop in their last matches, especially in the defeats against Hamrun and Mosta.

The Blues’ unexpected defeats have seen them dropping to sixth place in the standings with just 12 points from a possible 24.

The Blues’ main fault seems to lie with the defence. They have conceded seven goals in their last two matches and something must be done to stop the haemorrage. It is useless to put the fault on substitute goalie Anthony Curmi who had to come in for the injured Henry Bonello in the match against Hamrun when, at that time, Sliema were leading 1-0. The whole sector was at fault in those two matches.

Unless they pull up their socks and start delivering the goods, the Blues will even find it hard to make it to the Top Six.

Today’s programme

Victor Tedesco Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 7.30pm Valletta-Sliema W.

Centenary Stadium: Bank of Valletta first division 6pm Zejtun C.-Birzebbuga SP; 8pm St George’s-Vittoriosa S.

Luxol Stadium: Bank of Valletta first division 6pm Pieta H.-St Patrick; 8pm Naxxar Lions.-Lija Ath.