Hibernians will be trying to extend their positive run at the top this afternoon as they face Floriana in what should be considered as the match of the weekend.

In other matches between today and tomorrow, Marsaxlokk face Hamrun in today’s second match, while in the first match tomorrow, Sliema face Qormi and then Birkirkara take on Tarxien R. All matches are to be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.

It should be another weekend of interesting clashes as the local Premier League, despite all the shortcomings, is turning out to be an eventful and interesting one. Most of all, there seems to be no big gap between the so-called top clubs and the others considered as the smaller ones, as many enthusiasts might have thought before the decision to increase the number of teams from 10 to 12 was taken.

Although the big guns are still in the upper part of the standings, they are not having it all their own way and it is heartening to see such teams as Mqabba and Balzan, not to mention Mosta as well, giving their all and producing good performances, sometimes also pleasing to the eye.

As already said, today’s opening clash between Hibernians and Floriana is a tricky one for both teams.

The leaders will be aiming to extend their positive run – after nine rounds, they are the only unbeaten team in the competition.

The Paolites were dealt a setback in their last encounter when they had to settle for just a point against Hamrun Spartans. Yet, with Floriana losing their encounter against Birkirkara, they still managed to increase their lead at the top.

Today they will be trying to take advantage of a situation which sees Floriana having to make use of their young goalkeeper Jurgen Borg. Their two goalkeepers are suspended – William Amamoo has been suspended by the club for 28 days as he is in conflict with the club president, while Manuel Bartolo is ruled out after seeing red against Birkirkara.

The Greens have now gone through two consecutive defeats and will certainly be doing their utmost to avoid a third one which could prove to be fatal to the side.

In the other match today, Marsaxlokk will also be aiming to return to winning form as they play against ‘home’ side Hamrun Spartans.

Marsaxlokk are the most disappointing side so far and their problems will deepen with another defeat after the 3-1 drubbing against Balzan last week.

On the other hand, Hamrun Spartans showed vast improvement in the match against Hibernians and the point gained on that occasion will certainly give them the confidence needed to overcome this afternoon’s obstacle.

Tomorrow, in the opening match, Sliema and Qormi will battle it out to obtain three important points.

At present, Qormi lie in joint third on 16 with Floriana and Birkirkara, while Sliema are three points behind.

Qormi seem to have settled down well now and are playing their best football, but Sliema also showed signs of recovery in their match against Valletta last week when they held the champions to a 1-1 draw.

In the second match tomorrow, Birkirkara seem to have a good chance to make the third place their own, if Floriana and Qormi falter.

Following their convincing and impressive 4-0 win against Floriana, the Stripes are playing with more confidence as they now seem to be back on track and it will certainly be difficult for Tarxien.

The Rainbows have also been very inconsistent so far this season, but they managed a 3-2 win against Mqabba in their last encounter – the first under new coach Patrick Curmi who was the Birkirkara coach until last month.