The Bank of Valletta Premier League returns to full action this weekend with the 20th round between today and Sunday.
The competition is fast moving towards the end and at present, it is a four-horse race for the title where only four points separate the top four clubs. Floriana and Valletta have 38 points, Sirens are on 35 while Hibs follow a point behind.
This weekend, Floriana will be facing Sirens while Valletta take on lowly Gudja. Hibernians are to face Hamrun.
At the other end of the table, Santa Lucia face Mosta in a match which is important in connection with the final 12th placing in the standings. But the most important game in the lower sector of the table is the Sliema-Senglea encounter.
On Sunday, there are the remaining two matches: Balzan v Tarxien and Gzira v Birkirkara.
TOP OF TABLE
It is possible that there might be a sole leader by the end of this weekend's programme, or rather by tomorrow.
If Floriana falter against Sirens this evening and Valletta win their clash against Gudja tomorrow, Valletta will take over the sole leadership. That can also happen if Floriana win this evening and Valletta falter tomorrow.
At present, both Floriana and Valletta must be considered hot favourites to overcome this weekend's obstacles.
Floriana are bubbling with enthusiasm following their elimination of the in-form Birkirkara (albeit on penalties) from the FA Trophy.
They can now concentrate fully on the League and this seems to be the right opportunity to confirm their current form, having also beaten bottom club Tarxien convincingly 4-0 in their last league match.
But they must be aware that Sirens will not be throwing in the towel so easily. With just seven games to the end of the campaign, the revelation side of the season are just three points behind the two joint leaders and it is obvious they can be a tough obstacle for the Greens to overcome.
Valletta and Gudja meet again after the Trophy quarterfinal match between the two teams the past weekend, which saw the citizens winning 2-0 to reach the semfinals.
This match should see Valletta winning once again even if Gudja can also prove to be tough opponents.
This is because they are still involved seriously in the relegation battle, especially if Senglea manage to win the three points from their match against Sliema tomorrow.
Hibernians will be seeking to repeat their Trophy win against Hamrun tomorrow.
In last Sunday's game, the Paolites were made to sweat and were taken to an extra 30 minutes to gain their access into the semifinals.
Hamrun are a good nine points above the relegation zone, but they can still become involved in the battle to avoid the 12th place.
The same applies to both Santa Lucia and Mosta who face each other tomorrow.
At present both occupy a sort of good mid-table position, but they are also keen to earn more points in trying to avoid finishing in 12th place.
On Sunday, the Gzira-Birkirkara clash promises to be an entertaining game with both sides also needing the points for different reasons.
Gzira are still remotely involved in the title race, though being six points behind the leaders, while it is obvious that the much improved Birkirkara are eying a berth in next season's Europa League if the chance comes along, despite missing the chance to do that via the FA Trophy.
Of course, it will not be easy to do it in the remaining league matches but with seven games still to be played and being five points away from third place, it is certainly not impossible.
Gzira are in 5th place two points above Birkirkara and, as such, they are also very much interested in a berth in European football next season.
The Maroons must forget all about their defeat against Valletta in their last encounter and concentrate on their remaining fixtures, mostly against the lower placed clubs.
The Balzan-Tarxien game is an opportunity for Balzan to win back their prestige after losing their hold on the FA Trophy following their dismal defeat against first division side Pieta Hotspurs the past weekend.