The Premier League resumes this evening with two clashes at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
In the opener, Mosta and Qormi face each other in what can be considered as a battle for the three points - for different reasons - while in the other clash, Balzan will be seeking to maintain their challenge for a Top Six berth when facing bottom placed Marsaxlokk.
The Mosta-Qormi match is the most important of the two games being played this evening.
Mosta have been very active lately in the transfer market and have strengthened their team considerably in the hope of winning more points to improve their hopes of staving off relegation.
At present, Mosta are occupying 10th place on 14 points and a victory this evening will catapult them into eighth place, overtaking Mqabba and Hamrun in the standings.
But Qormi are also keen on winning the three points at stake. With Redino Apap back at the helm as president, the team now hopes to maintain its challenge for a Top Six berth with a victory this evening.
A victory will keep them very much in contention, even if they will be aware that Balzan would be able to overtake them once again in the match that follows.
The latter could also move into fourth place temporarily this evening if they beat Marsaxlokk.
Balzan will be boosted by the presence of international midfielder Jamie Pace, who has been loaned from Valletta for the rest of the season.
At present the Youths, who have 24 points, are in sixth place, two points behind Sliema and Birkirkara.
If they win this evening they will, at least, stay in fourth place till tomorrow, waiting anxiously for the results from the matches between Birkirkara and Floriana and Sliema-Valletta.
As for Marsaxlokk, Anton Cremona’s side, crushed by first division side Pieta in last week’s FA Trophy Last 16 round match, must be aware that unless they start winning points immediately, they will find it harder to retain their status when the Second Phase arrives.
Today’s programme
Football
Victor Tedesco Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Mosta-Qormi; 8.15pm Marsaxlokk-Balzan Y.
Centenary Stadium: Bank of Valletta second division 7pm San Gwann-Senglea Athletic