It is a U*Bet FA Trophy weekend this time as the Bank of Valletta Premier League takes a rest.

It is the round of Last 16 with eight matches being played between today and tomorrow - the winners will advance to the quarterfinals to be played later on during the season.

Three of the matches should be really keen tussles as they involve Premier League clubs, but the main match of the weekend will be today’s second clash at the National Stadium between Sliema W. and current league leaders Valletta FC.

It is certainly the big match of this round with the Wanderers trying to make headway in this competition after their disappointments in the League.

Their recent 2-3 defeat at the hands of Balzan Youths came just one week after they had beaten Birkirkara in the same manner - at the death. Now Danilo Doncic’s boys need a positive result to restore not only their pride, but also their enthusiasm in view of the forthcoming important League clashes which will decide whether they will be able to make it to the Top Six in the Second Phase.

Valletta, on the other hand, remain the team to beat this season, even if they have already gone down to Hibernians in the first round of the League.

There is no doubt about the big potential in the City squad but they will also have to fight hard to overcome the Blues’ challenge, considering that they had to struggle to beat modest Mqabba the past weekend.

Today there is also another all Premier clash between Balzan Youths and Floriana, two teams riding the crest of the waves so far this season.

I consider Balzan as the revelation side this season while Floriana have maintained last season’s impressive form, if not doing better this year.

The Greens have an added responsibility as they are the Trophy holders and they are aware that they have to be on their best behaviour to defend the coveted Trophy successfully.

Balzan will have nothing to lose against more illustrious opponents, but Ivan Zammit’s boys will certainly not throw in the towel so easily.

Floriana must expect a tough challenge from a side which has surprised local pundits with its determination and enthusiasm.

The other all-Premier clash is to be played tomorrow when Birkirkara face Hamrun Spartans.

It is a match in which Paul Zammit’s Birkirkara side will be seeking to confirm their recent improvement, even if their lack of scoring touch is still causing headaches among the club’s fans.

The Stripes, like the Wanderers from Sliema, need to show more consistency in their play and results.

Hamrun are having a disastrous season and only a victory tomorrow will enable them to lift their morale in view of their forthcoming important matches in the Premier League where it is almost certain they will be fighting to avoid relegation.

The Spartans at least showed character last week when they fought back from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 with Mosta thanks to two goals scored in the final seven minutes.

Another interesting match should be that being played tomorrow at the Hibs Ground between current first division leaders Rabat and Premier League second placed Hibernians.

Rabat are fighting hard to regain their long lost Premier status and they seem to have enough potential to give a good run to Hibernians for their money.

The Paolites, however, will be making their utmost to reach the quarterfinals and they should be considered favourites to advance.

In other matches today, Premier League bottom club Marsaxlokk will be meeting First Division promotion seekers Pieta Hotspurs in what should be a balanced match, while Qormi should be considered firm favourites to beat second division side Mellieha.

Tomorrow, Mosta should also be considered firm favourites when they face the only Gozitan side remaining in the competition, Xewkija Tigers. The other match is an all first division affair between St George’s and Lija Athletic.