The Second Phase of the Premier League gets under way this evening at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.

As has become customary now, the League is divided into the Championship Pool (top six teams at the end of the First Phase) and the Relegation Pool (the remaining six teams).

As everyone is aware, all the teams had their First Phase points deducted by half, and although I consider this to be unfair with the leading clubs in both Pools, the system evidently brings the teams closer and therefore there should be a lot more interest in the proceedings from now on.

The opening two matches to be played this evening are both from the Relegation Pool.

In the opening clash, at 6pm, bottom placed Marsaxlokk take on the Pool leaders Qormi while in the match that follows, at 8.15pm, Tarxien Rainbows face Mqabba.

At present, Qormi lead the standings on 15 points, nine more than their opponents Marsaxlokk.

In view of the circumstances surrounding Marsaxlokk in the early stages of this season, it is evident that they are finding the going very difficult after the departure of most of their established players.

They are undoubtedly firm favourites for the Drop to next year’s first division, but not everything is lost yet.

They are aware that the task ahead of them is very difficult and everyone will agree that they need a miracle to avoid relegation.

Qormi seem to have a good cushion going into this stage of the competition. But they cannot afford to slip up at this stage.

They are aware that a victory today will pave the way for a comfortable Second Phase which will serve them in good stead for the FA Trophy semi-finals, soon after the league is over.

The match will be a repetition of the clash last weekend in which Qormi had to come from behind to beat Marsaxlokk 2-1 – a victory which, however, did nothing to appease their disappointment as Balzan won their clash against Tarxien to assure themselves of a Top Six berth.

The second match today should be a closely fought encounter between two teams that are separated by just one point. At present, Mqabba are on 10 points, together with Hamrun, while Tarxien have nine.

It is obviously an important match already for both sides who will now be aiming solely for the three points.

Mqabba are coming from a heavy 6-1 defeat at the hands of Hibernians last weekend, while Tarxien lost 1-0 against Balzan, even if they perhaps deserved something better on that day.

Today’s sport

Football Victor Tedesco Stadium Bank of Valletta Premier League (Relegation Pool) 6pm Marsaxlokk-Qormi; 8.15pm Tarxien R.-Mqabba

Waterpolo Tal-Qroqq Pool Bank of Valletta winter league (out of competition) 8pm ASA Youth Selection-Valletta Dhalia

Basketball Ta’ Qali Men division two 6.15pm Floriana Eurobasket-Athleta; Women’s MSV Life national league 8pm Starlites Sports Experience-McDonalds Depiro