Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers will certainly be eyeing victories this afternoon when they meet front runners Valletta and Hibernians in very important matches at the National Stadium.

At present, Valletta and Hibernians lead the table on 26 points each, followed by Birkirkara and Sliema on 22.

Such a position indicates the importance of today’s matches for both Stripes and Wanderers as Birkirkara take on Hibernians and Sliema face Valletta.

The two former clubs are aware that a victory will enable them to move to within a point of the two leaders, thus giving the local Premier League a major boost – four clubs separated by just one point with eight matches to go!

Birkirkara, however, must make the most of the chances they create during a match if they are to survive the ordeal and continue challenging for the title.

The Stripes lost against Sliema last week and in that match they did not even create much chances. Still the few they created went abegging and they missed out on a chance to leave the Blues at a distance.

Against Hibernians, the Stripes will have striker Harun Shodiya missing through suspension.

On their part, Hibernians will also be aiming for the three points, but they will also be quite happy with a draw in the knowledge that immediately afterwards, Valletta might also drop some points in a stern test against the improving Sliema.

The Blues, in fact, have started the second phase in a very positive way, beating Birkirkara by a solitary Ivan Woods goal, but also thanks to a good overall performance.

The Blues will have Woods missing through suspension and his absence might be felt sorely even if the Blues have other means to give the citizens a hard time.

Valletta are certainly returning to their best form and they also intend to continue where they left off against Mosta whom they demolished 5-0.

No doubt, the citizens have the strongest squad on the island and will be expected to make the most of Woods’ absence to lower the Blues’ colours and move ahead towards a possible sole first placing.

Tomorrow, Mosta and Tarxien cross swords in a match in which Mosta will be trying to overcome their opponents and therefore send the Rainbows to the bottom.

In tomorrow’s match from the Relegation Pool, Floriana will be facing Balzan in a match which will see both sides aiming to improve their position, even if they must be feeling relatively safe despite being at the start of the second phase.

Balzan are occupying top spot in the Pool on 17 points and are followed by Qormi and Floriana on 15, Rabat, Hamrun and Melita occupy the bottom three places on nine, eight and seven points respectively.