The scene is set for an enthralling two days of Premier League football with matches which could decide three issues.

At stake are the championship title, the potential Europa League berth via the 4^th place and the relegation issue.

Eight of the 14 teams will be seeking important points in these crucial matches which will possibly conclude this year's campaign. I say possibly because there might also be the need for some decider/s if teams finish on an equal number of points.

Coaches of the eight clubs attended a news conference yesterday morning at the MFA's Trophies Lounge at Ta' Qali and all had their say about their commitments this weekend (today and tomorrow).

VALLETTA v HAMRUN

Valletta coach Gilbert Agius said he will not have all players at his disposal for tomorrow's important clash.

He said Matteo Piciolllo is definitely out, but others, including Saleh are still recovering from injuries. "I hope they will all be declared fit by Saturday morning," he added.

Agius asserted Valletta will be aiming for a victory. "Hamrun are not an easy side. Like us, they have their good and bad things and during the past days we have worked to overcome this last obstacle. We are aware that a victory will enable us to have our minds at rest. And that is really what we have been working upon," he said.

For Agius - he took over from Danilo Doncic who resigned about a month ago - it will be a 1st title win as a coach if Valletta are successful. He has also won three titles as a member of the technical staff and another eight as a player in his glorious career.

Giovanni Tedesco, Hamrun Spartans mentor, said everyone was aware that his side had beaten Valletta in the first round. He added:  "That, however, means nothing now. It is a completely different match and much more complicated. For Valletta, the title is at stake and I expect this to be one of the most difficult matches I have been involved in.

"But we also have our target - the 4^th place and a potential Europa League berth. We will also be aiming for a victory as the three points will assure us of that 4^th place. It is a dream for the club to return to European football after so many years, even if nothing will be assured as this will depend on the results acquired by the clubs still in contention for the FA Trophy."

Tedesco augured a good, keen and entertaining match. "I hope that the match is played in good spirits on the pitch and on the terraces and may the best team win after all."

HIBERNIANS v BALZAN

Hibernians coach Stefano Sanderra would only speak on his team's match against Balzan. He said: "We cannot think about the Valletta-Hamrun match while we are playing against Balzan.

"First of all, we have to concentrate on our match as we have to be at our best to win against Balzan whatever the result of the Valletta-Hamrun clash.

"I have always told my players that they have to suffer a lot if they want to be successful. On the whole I must thank them all for the way they responded during the season, even if we missed out on some matches, particularly against Qormi, lately."

Sanderra also said that the forced absence of midfielder Jurgen Degabriele through injury, was also  a big loss. "We missed his perfect combination with the two Brazilian strikers."

Balzan coach Jacques Scerri is well aware that to remain in contention for 4^th place, they have to beat Hibernians and also depend on the result of the Valletta-Hamrun and possibly also the Sliema-Pieta encounters. He added: "One thing is certain - it is going to be a very difficult clash. We are well aware that Hibs will be after the three points in case Valletta falter somehow against Hamrun. But we are also aiming for the three points. After all we have nothing to lose, but everything to gain."

Another team still in contention for the 4^th place is Sliema Wanderers.

Coach Stefano Maccoppi said that the target was to finish the season in the UEFA zone after he was appointed coach. "We are still there, but we have to wait and see what the other two teams will be doing, apart from us having to beat Pieta."

RELEGATION

Senglea coach Enzo Potenza said he is confident his players will rise again to the occasion against Birkirkara "to take what is ours, that is, salvation."

He added: "It will not be an easy game. Birkirkara are a strong side, despite their mid-table placing, but I am sure we can get what we want from this match even if the other results will favour us."

Johan Scicluna, St Andrews coach, said it might not be over tomorrow. "It will probably be the first step in our battle to avoid relegation. That is because we are hoping to finish at least 12^th to figure in that playoff against the third placed team in the first division. But, of course, we have to avoid defeat against Gzira and hope that the other results will be in our favour," he said.

Mario Muscat, Qormi FC mentor, said that when he took over in mid-season, the team's aim was to try and avoid direct relegation. He added: "Our only remaining chance now is to try and finish 12^th to take part in the playoff to save our status.

"It will not be easy against a Mosta side which has shown a lot of improvement in their recent games. But I am sure my players will do their best to maintain the recent good results while hoping for the best," he added.