Champions Valletta, currently leading the standings one point ahead of Hibernians, should find little difficulty in disposing of Tarxien Rainbows this evening in the only match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (kick off 7.30pm).

It is the opening match of the second round of the first phase - the 12th round of matches - with the others spread between tomorrow and Monday.

Valletta are also hoping to extend their lead over the Paolites this week. For this to happen, however, they will first have to beat Tarxien this evening and then hope to see Hibernians faltering against Sliema tomorrow afternoon.

Tarxien lost 3-0 against Sliema last week as Patrick Curmi’s boys failed to maintain their positive trend which had seen them collecting two consecutive victories in their previous matches.

Obviously they are aware that it will perhaps be even more difficult against Valletta, but the champions are not playing the kind of football one expects from such a talented side.

In their most recent matches, Valletta were made to sweat more than expected to collect the points. Today they seem to have the chance to express themselves better against a team which has been very inconsistent so far this season.