Playing the 17th round of the competition, second placed Hibernians – six points behind leaders Valletta – are well aware that they need to win all the three points at stake from this afternoon’s derby clash against Tarxien Rainbows.
The Paolites know that if they do not register a victory, Valletta will possibly extend their current six-point advantage as they are favourites to beat lowly Mqabba tomorrow.
In other matches, third placed Floriana face Qormi this afternoon, while Sliema and Balzan play tomorrow.
The Paolites should also be considered favourites to win their clash against the Rainbows, but being a derby, there might be a different story to write from the one every football enthusiast might expect.
It is not the first time that the Rainbows have risen to the occasion and have given their close neighbours a tough challenge. And this is expected to repeat itself tomorrow, especially with the Rainbows also in need of the points in view of their precarious position near the end of the table.
But after the good performance in the 1-1 draw against Valletta last week, Hibernians should be able to win this encounter, boosted by their second January signing of Brazilian midfielder Jackson Lima from Sliema Wanderers.
If not, Valletta will be expected to pounce on the opportunity to increase their lead at the top tomorrow by beating Mqabba.
The citizens will be seeking to return to winning form after their draw against the Paolites and it should not be difficult for them to collect another three points on their way towards a second consecutive league title.
Today, third placed Floriana will seek to consolidate their third place in the table as they meet fifth placed Qormi.
The latter returned to winning form after three defeats last week when they beat Hamrun Spartans 3-0, but they will need to repeat that performance and perhaps even do better to get something positive against the Greens who are passing through a splendid moment at present.
Floriana, in fact, are slowly but surely closing in on second placed Hibernians. If they maintain their current run of good form, it will not be long before they overtake the Paolites in second place or challenge them more seriously, eventually also becoming Valletta’s top challengers in the second phase.
In the other match tomorrow, Sliema, who have parted company with Jorge and Lima, will be eager to repeat their winning form last week against Birkirkara when they take on Balzan Youths who are knocking on the sixth place – only two points behind Qormi and Birkirkara.
The Blues seem to be well placed for a Top Six berth and a victory tomorrow will further enhance their chances, but they can expect a tough challenge from the Youths, certainly the revelation side this season.