Valletta and Birkirkara face each other today at the Hibernians Stadium, in their final commitment in the knowledge that a victory will keep them in contention and a defeat will eliminate them. A draw will not suffice either, as it will eliminate both.

This is because at present, after all clubs have played two matches, Hibernians lead the standings with six points, followed by Valletta and Birkirkara on three. Floriana have no points.

It is also the two teams’ last clash before they play their opening European club competitions’ matches next week.

Valletta lost 1-0 to Hibernians in their second match on Monday after having beaten Floriana 2-1 in their opening encounter. On the other hand, Birkirkara beat Floriana 3-0 after having been convincingly beaten 5-0 by Hibernians in their first match.

This evening’s encounter should be keenly contested as both teams will be aiming to get a positive result in view of their impending European commitment.

The two coaches – Mark Miller of Valletta and Paul Zammit of Birkirkara – are not expected to make radical changes to the sides they have presented so far.

Birkirkara are expected to have Pereira available once again after serving his one-match suspension against Floriana.

Hibernians should win the title tomorrow when they face Floriana in the final encounter, also at the Hibernians Stadium.

The Paolites need only a point against the Greens to start the season on a top note.

But they are expected to go out for another victory to claim maximum points from the three matches played.

The Greens have been a rather awful sight in the two matches they have played, losing 2-1 to their arch rivals Valletta and being soundly beaten 3-0 by the Stripes.

Such results were not the perfect omen for the side’s return to European football, especially with a very difficult clash against Sweden’s current top side IF Elfsborg looming.

Programme

Today

Hibernians Stadium: 6.30pm Birkirkara-Valletta

Tomorrow

Hibernians Stadium: 6.30pm Hibernians-Floriana.