Current joint leaders Valletta and Birkirkara face each other this afternoon in another top-of-the-table clash at the Ta’ Qali national stadium.
After last week’s encounter between Valletta and Hibernians, it is now Birkirkara’s turn to face the champions in what should be a highly entertaining match.
In another game today, prior to the big clash, Qormi will be facing Floriana. Tomorrow, at the Hibernians Stadium, Rabat face Hamrun in a bottom-of-the-table clash while Hibernians meet Sliema in the final match on the programme.
Several things can happen this weekend. Today’s Valletta-Birkirkara clash will obviously see the possible winner becoming sole leaders and the loser being pushed down to third place, if Hibernians win tomorrow’s game against Sliema.
On the other hand, if today’s match ends in a draw and Hibernians win tomorrow, then it will be the Paolites to take over the leadership once again, thus extending the merry-go-round situation at the top of the standings so far this season. Also, there could be a status quo if today’s match and the Hibs-Sliema match end in draws.
Of course, most of the attention is attributed to the City-Birkirkara clash where both teams will have to play without suspended players Ryan Fenech of Valletta and Ryan Camenzuli of Birkirkara. Valletta will also have Shawn Bajada missing as he has moved to Sliema till the end of the season.
For Valletta, a bright note is the possible return of international striker Michael Mifsud after the injury which kept him out of the game for the last few weeks.
After their splendid 4-1 win against Hibernians last week, Valletta will be hoping to find that same form against the Stripes so as to maintain the winning trend after having dropped so many points in two disastrous months.
However, the Stripes will be no pushovers. The citizens are aware that Birkirkara are possibly their biggest threat for the title. In fact, even Birkirkara were very impressive in their 5-0 demolition of Tarxien last week.
The Stripes are aware of their strength and the return of Shola Shodiya from injury has proved to be an added boost to the squad.
In today’s other match, Qormi and Floriana face each other in what is possibly their last chance to retain their hopes of making into the Top Six.
Both sides need a victory to remain in contention although only five matches remain to be played.
Tomorrow, in the first match, Rabat will be aiming to register their first victory of the season when they face the struggling Hamrun Spartans.
The Magpies have been playing much better lately and have been somewhat unlucky in some of their matches. If they win tomorrow, their hopes of eventually saving their status will be given a boost.
As for the Spartans, they need to return to winning form quickly if they are to move away from their current crisis and gain precious points with the Second Phase in mind.
In the other match, Hibernians and Sliema will both be seeking a victory for obvious reasons. They want to remain as close as possible to the top with the Paolites also having the chance to become sole leaders if today’s big clash ends in a draw.
The two teams are almost certain to be in the Top Six, but they are also well aware that the points won now will come in good stead in the Second Phase – the Championship Pool.