Birkirkara must beat Mqabba this evening if they are to halt their crisis which saw them missing a massive eight points from their last three matches.
The Stripes face Clive Mizzi’s boys in the first match this evening which will be followed by that between Balzan Youths and second placed Hibernians.
Paul Zammit and his boys are expected to do their utmost this evening to try and win the three points. Not only to halt the crisis which has hit the side, but also to lift their morale and that of their own fans.
A team that had been predicted as one of the title challengers has fallen way back in the standings and their only hope now is to try and secure a place in the Top Six so as to challenge for an Europa League berth next season - there will be three available.
After their disastrous outing against Hibernians last week when they were humiliated to the tune of 5-0 apart from having two players sent off, the Stripes must win this evening’s clash to get back on the right track.
Mqabba managed to beat Marsaxlokk with a solitary goal the past week and have now moved to a healthier place in the standings, though still a strong candidate for the Relegation Pool.
The first round match between the two teams had ended in a 2-2 draw.
In the other match this evening, Hibernians will be aiming to beat the Youths to join Valletta temporarily on top of the standings.
The Paolites are still the only unbeaten side in the competition and they are not expected to allow the Youths to surprise them this evening.
After the fine performance against Birkirkara, Mark Miller’s boys should not find it difficult to beat Ivan Zammit’s Youths.
The latter disappointed their fans last week as they saw a positive run – two consecutive victories – being halted through an unexpected defeat at the hands of bottom placed Mosta.
The Youths are aware of the difficult task facing them. In the first round match, the Paolites ran out winners
3-1.
Today’s programme
Victor Tedesco Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Birkirkara-Mqabba; 8.15pm Balzan Y.-Hibernians
Centenary Stadium: Bank of Valletta first division 6pm St Andrews-Pieta H.; 8pm Dingli S.-St Patrick
Luxol Stadium: Bank of Valletta second division 7pm Zebbug R.-Msida SJ