Hibernians will be trying to move to within one point of league leaders Valletta this evening when they face Qormi in the second match.

In the opening match on today’s programme, Sliema Wanderers also seem to have a good chance of moving alone into fourth place, at least temporarily, when they take on lowly Tarxien Rainbows.

At present, after 18 matches, Valletta lead the standings on 41 points, followed by Hibs on 41, Floriana 39, Sliema and Balzan 27, Birkirkara 26, Qormi 23, Mqabba and Mosta 17, Hamrun 15, Tarxien 14 and Marsaxlokk 11.

In these last four matches, one expects every team to try and get as many points as possible in the knowledge that the points will be deducted by half at the end of the first phase.

The Paolites will certainly be going all out for the three points to keep as close as possible to the citizens who will be involved in what looks like being an easy match against Marsaxlokk tomorrow.

Qormi, however, are also in dire need of points. A victory against Hibernians will enable them to join Birkirkara in sixth place, at least temporarily. It will also be a big boost in view of their remaining fixtures as they continue their quest for a Top Six berth.

In the first match, Sliema are favourites to beat last but one from bottom Tarxien.

The Blues will be expected to include newcomers Andrew Decesare and Trevor Cilia - both arrived from Birkirkara early this week. Also, Ryan Fenech should also be available after missing the match against his former club Valletta.

For the Rainbows, it will be another difficult match, but after having obtained a point from their match against Mqabba last week, they now seem to be determined to improve their lowly standing.