The first round of the Premier League comes to an end this weekend with the three matches being played between today and tomorrow.
In today’s matches - at the Hibernians Stadium - Sliema face Tarxien while Hibs then face Qormi. Tomorrow, at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Valletta face Marsaxlokk.
At present, Valletta lead the standings, one point ahead of Hibernians, but we might have a new picture by tomorrow.
It is a stiff test for both pace setters, but especially for Hibernians who are still shocked at the way they lost two precious points from last week’s clash against Floriana.
It is to be recalled that they seemed to be home and dry when in the final minute of added time, Floriana scored a dramatic equaliser.
The Paolites have to overcome the feelings of that setback before hoping to beat the revived Qormi side who are expected to introduce a newcomer - midfielder Stuart Duff.
Stephen Azzopardi’s boys have been consistent in recent matches and this is a good omen for the side which is definitely on the right track to earn a place among the Top Six by the end of the second round.
Qormi have been playing quite well and should offer very strong opposition to the Paolites who simply hope to return to their early season form as soon as possible after last week’s partial debacle.
If Hibernians falter, even partially today, Valletta will be in an advantageous position tomorrow when they face Marsaxlokk. Of course, they will be aware that a victory will enable them to open a three-point gap at the top of the standings.
On the other hand, they could be put under pressure if Hibernians win the three points today as it will be the Paolites who will return to the top. Then Valletta will be forced to beat Marsaxlokk to take the lead once again tomorrow.
And their match against Marsaxlokk does not look easy either, considering City’s recent unimpressive performances compared to Marsaxlokk’s brilliant 5-3 win against Hamrun Spartans last week.
The southern seasiders have been rather inconsistent so far this season, but if they manage to produce the same form as that showed last week, then they could be serious and difficult opponents for Valletta.
The citizens will have to give particular attention to Marsaxlokk striker Obinna Obifuele who is a free scoring striker and who can create headaches to any defence.
However, the citizens remain clear favourites to win. It is evident that they are not pleasing the eye with their performances, but it is true that results are the most important thing in football and that is practically what they are doing at present.
In today’s other match, Sliema Wanderers will be facing Tarxien Rainbows in the hope that they also return to winning form.
The Blues figured in a highly creditable 1-1 draw against Valletta in their last encounter. They will be eyeing a return to victory now that they have not won a match since 24 September.
Their opponents today will be Tarxien Rainbows who surprised everyone last week by beating the more favoured Birkirkara 3-2. After that match, Birkirkara lodged a protest with the MFA and that is being heard today. The Stripes based their protest on a technical error by the referee claiming that at one time during the match (when Tarxien scored their third goal), there were two balls on the field of play.
The Rainbows are simply hoping that the protest will not be upheld. Coach Patrick Curmi will also be hoping to see his boys reproduce the magic form which brought about six points from their last two matches.
(Reports of yesterday’s matches on opposite page)