The Premier League resumes this weekend after the stoppage for the FA Trophy 3rd round matches the past weekend.
It seems as if the three top clubs have an easy programme as they are expected to win maximum points from their commitments to maintain the pace at the top of the standings.
Of the top three, Valletta, who are currently occupying third place two points behind Gzira and Hibernians, seem to have a sort of delicate clash when facing Tarxien Rainbows, but I still expect the defending champions to emerge victorious.
Gzira United will be severely handicapped without their two top strikers - the injured Samb and the suspended Haruna Garba - but should still be strong enough to take full points from their clash against Mosta.
On their part, Hibernians are firm favourites to win all the three points as they will be meeting bottom placed Senglea Athletic.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHT
The weekend highlight should be the Sliema v Balzan clash.
The Wanderers are placed 4th on 22 points, three behind third placed Valletta, while Balzan are a further three points behind in 5th place.
The two teams' main aim will obviously be the three points, simply because of possible participation in European football (Europa League) next season.
This should be a keen and balanced encounter and the result could go either way.
The two teams had a satisfying performance in the FA Trophy last weekend. The Wanderers eliminated Premier side St Andrews 2-0 (perhaps even more comfortably than the result suggests) while Balzan had absolutely no problem in disposing of first division side Qrendi to the tune of 5-1.
OTHER MATCHES
This weekend, there are no direct clashes at the top and at the bottom of the standings. But for Floriana, their match against St Andrews has become a very important clash.
St Andrews are 9th on 13 points - six away from third from bottom Mosta - just one ahead of Floriana, who have amassed just 12 points from their 11 matches so far.
The Greens are passing through a disastrous season. Already eliminated from the FA Trophy, their season can only be saved by earning a berth in next season's Europa League. But even here, their target is far away from their dream.
New coach Guido Ugolotti seems to have a mountain to climb to bring back his side in the reckoning - something which seems quite impossible at the moment.
The most important thing at present is to try and win this encounter to enhance their chances of distancing themselves from the lower end of the standings.
Their opponents, St Andrews, will not be staring at them either. The Saints are well aware that despite their healthy position, it does not mean that they are quite safe from relegation. So they know that more points at this stage could come handy in the second round.
For the other relegation sides, it is a tough weekend, or so it seems.
Qormi take on a rejuvenated Birkirkara side this evening, while Pieta meet neighbours Hamrun in a rival derby tomorrow. Mosta and Senglea will be in action on Sunday against the two joint league leaders, the former facing Gzira United and the latter taking on Hibernians.
Champions Valletta should also win their clash against Tarxien Rainbows, although the latter have obtained nine points from a possible 12 in their last four encounters.