The real battle for the title starts this weekend with the start of the Second Phase which, in actual fact, started yesterday with two Relegation Pool matches.

The Championship Pool gets underway today with two matches. In the first match, Birkirkara face Floriana while in the second match, second placed Hibernians can go to the top of the standings, at least temporarily when they face Sliema. Tomorrow, Valletta will be meeting Balzan Youths immediately after the Relegation Pool clash between Mosta and Hamrun Spartans.

At the start of this Second Phase, Valletta lead the standings on 28 points, followed by Hibernians on 26, Floriana 21, Birkirkara and Sliema 18 and Balzan on 16.

Before yesterday’s matches, the Relegation Pool saw Qormi leading on 15 points, followed by Mosta on 12, Mqabba and Hamrun 10, Tarxien 9 and Marsaxlokk 6.

It is evident that from now on, points will certainly count towards the title race as well as for the Europa League (next season) places and the battle against relegation.

In this sense, it is obvious that all the team, especially those involved in the ‘hot’ issues will be expected to do their utmost to win the points at stake in every match they play.

This certainly applies for Hibernians this afternoon in their match against Sliema in the knowledge that Valletta are firm favourites to beat Balzan tomorrow.

But the Paolites will have to be on the alert as the Blues are also in the running for an Europa League place next season, and they would not like to miss the chance to return to European football.

The match between Floriana and Birkirkara this afternoon is another match which should be worth watching.

The two teams, together with Sliema, are challenging for possible Europa League places and they would like to improve their position in the standings.

The Greens are boosted by the 1-1 draw against league leaders and great rivals Valletta in their last encounter.

But they will certainly face a tough challenge from Birkirkara who seem to be a rejuvenated side, especially after winning two consecutive games in which they showed they are back on the right track.

Tomorrow’s Relegation Pool clash between Mosta and Hamrun is also important for both sides - both need the points to improve their position.