The top two teams in the BOV Premier League standings cross swords this adfternoon at Ta’ Qali (kick-off 4pm) in what should be the top match of the weekend.

Valletta enjoy a six-point lead over the Paolites, who are the only side to beat the champions so far this season.

But since that 2-0 win in September, Hibernians faltered, dropping points in draws against Hamrun S, Floriana and Sliema W and then losing to Balzan Youths (2-3) before the break.

Hibernians have problems in defence with Adrian Pulis and Jonathan Person still nursing long injuries. Ryan Camilleri is also doubtful. Balbinot has also been released by the club.

Since the defeat against Hibernbians, Valletta have won nine and drew once in ten matches and like their opponents are the highest scoring sides in the Premier League.

Today’s clash should provide plenty of action although a draw might suit Valletta better, while Hibernians look to close the gap before the points are halved in the second phase.

The outcome of this top clash may present Floriana with the opportunity to move closer to the leading duo as they sit firmly in third place, four

points behind Hibernians.

Floriana remain unbeaten in their last six matches and hope that the league’s break will not interrupt their momentum.

The absences of the suspended Christian Caruana and Pablo Doffo should not have a telling effect tomorrow against the ever-shrinking Marsaxlokk side, without a league win since mid November.

New signing Malcolm Licari may be handed a starting call, against his

former club, to help him settle in the new environment.

Floriana had beaten Marsaxlokk 4-0 in the first round.

Sliema Wanderers’ and Birkirkara’s place in the Championship Pool is far

from assured yet, with Balzan and Qormi beating down their necks. Both teams are struggling to shake off internal problems and crisis of form when they face each other in the weekend’s final match at Hibernians Stadium (kick-off 4pm).

They are both on 23 points with Birkirkara having suffered six defeats already and Sliema Wanderers having drawn five times from their last seven matches. In fact, the Wanderers, who have been plagued by quite a number of injuries this season, have only collected six points from the four matches played in the second round. In all probability, their two Brazilians Jorge Silva and Jackson Lima will be missing tomorrow, due to a dispute with the club over their wages.

Latest news say that Sliema have acquired the services of Valletta midfielder Ryan Fenech on loan for the remainder of the season.

Birkirkara have also parted company with Spanish keeper Jorge Mora and defender Rodrigo Perreira during the break. The first among replacements and reinforcements needed by the Stripes has been goalkeeper Reuben Gauci, on loan from Marsaxlokk till the end of the season. Birkirkara lack the cutting edge and scored only once (in a narrow win against Mqabba) in their last four matches.

The other match on the cards today at Ta’ Qali is between Hamrun Spartans and Qormi (kick-off 2pm). The Spartans remain an unsettled side with only four wins so far. They lost heavily to Floriana (2-4) before the break, ending the year in a low ninth place. They have only beaten Sliema Wanderers from the top seven sides.

Their opponents may be three places and six points above them in the standings, but Qormi’s spirits are on a low and need to halt a losing streak of three consecutive matches against Balzan Y (0-2), Valletta (1-4) and Tarxien R (0-2).

Qormi had beaten Hamrun Spartans 3-2 in the first round.