The Bank of Valletta Premier League resumes this weekend and again we are in for some interesting matches.
At present Gzira and Hamrun Spartans are leading the standings on 7 points, followed by five clubs - Balzan, Mosta, Sliema, Hibernians and Birkirkara - all on six points. Qormi are next on four points, Tarxien, Valletta, Floriana and St Andrews have three, Pieta 1 point and Senglea no points.
Both Gzira and Hamrun will be trying to keep on the winning track to remain at the top of the standings. But while Gzira face a very tricky tie against Hibernians, the Spartans seem to have a better chance to collect another three points as they take on an unpredictable Tarxien Rainbows side.
The Rainbows fared badly the past weekend as they lost 3-1 against an improved Mosta side. And that debacle came just one week after having crushed St Andrews 5-1.
On the other hand, Hamrun were made to fight very hard by a 10-man St Andrews side, scoring a late goal to claim all the three points.
For Gzira it will certainly be a more difficult task, but the way the Maroons are playing should enable them to face this task with great confidence.
The Maroons were quite impressive on Sunday as they beat their neighbouring rivals Sliema Wanderers.
On that night, the Maroons showed that they have improved over last season. The arrival of Rodolfo Soares from Hibernians has enhanced the solidity of the defensive department which can also rely heavily on the great abilities and experience of goalkeeper Justin Haber.
The Paolites will not be throwing in the towel so easily. After their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Floriana last Friday, they will now be eager to return to winning form to remain close to the top places in the standings.
Also wishing to return to winning form will be Birkirkara and Sliema who suffered their first defeats after registering two consecutive wins in their previous matches.
The Stripes now face a resurgent Floriana, bubbling with great enthusiasm following their first points from a 2-0 victory against Hibernians.
With the two teams eyeing a win, I expect this match to be the top clash of the weekend.
Sliema take on St Andrews this weekend. Although the latter suffered a second defeat at the hands of Hamrun on Sunday, they can still provide the Wanderers with a good run for their money.
The Blues failed to produce the form which had annihilated Valletta and Floriana in their opening two matches and in the third game last Sunday, they had to bow their heads to a superior Gzira side.
Balzan also aim to keep on the winning track and I am sure they will be eyeing a third victory on the trot as they meet Mosta.
Balzan showed their potential as they crushed bottom club Senglea under a five-goal avalanche the past weekend, but they will have to be at their best to outgun Mosta.
The latter showed a lot of improvement as they overcame a clumsy Tarxien side 3-1 the past weekend.
Champions Valletta have started climbing up the table as they finally got on the mark in their third match - a fine 3-0 win against Birkirkara.
They now face newly promoted Qormi and, of course, the citizens start as hot favourites to bag another three points.
Qormi might have their own ideas, but Valletta will now be looking forward to get closer to the leaders in their efforts to defend the title they won last season successfully.
Qormi's - and for that matter all the other teams - will have to give a lot of attention to City's 'famous' striking trio of Piciollo, Fontanella and Kaljevic - if they are to entertain hopes of keeping the champions at bay.
The other match this weekend the Pieta H.-Senglea encounter where the latter will be expected to do their utmost to obtain their first point or points of the new season.
On the other hand, Pieta have shown so far they are not an easy team to beat and they will also be looking forward to register their first win of the season after collecting their first point last weekend in a 2-2 draw with Qormi.