Tough final second round matches this weekend

● Balzan face Sliema as Hibs take on rivals Tarxien in derby ● Battle for third place intensifies as B’Kara and Floriana face each other ● Pembroke, Mosta, Gzira in crucial battles for survival

The Bank of Valletta Premier League enters the final batch of matches in the second round this weekend with a number of tough matches in attendance.

League leaders Balzan and their immediate followers Hibernians have tricky opponents to contend with as Balzan face Sliema Wanderers and the Paolites take on their much improved neighbours Tarxien Rainbows in the derby.

The battle for third place which involves Valletta, Birkirkara and Floriana is also intensifying and while Valletta will be meeting Hamrun Spartans, the Stripes and Floriana will be facing each other in what should be considered as the top match of the weekend.

At the other end of the standings, it is also another interesting weekend. Pembroke (14 points) face bottom placed Mosta (13) while Gzira (16) take on St Andrews who, on 22 points, seem to be relatively safe, at least at present.

Balzan will have the suspended Dylan Grima missing for their match against Sliema tomorrow.

But they should still be considered as potential favourites to bag another three points.

This is because Sliema have been very inconsistent and seem to be much more interested in retaining the FA Trophy to earn their place in Europe next season rather than through a third or possible fourth placing in the League.

Hibernians were on the brink of missing out on two precious points last weekend when they were drawing 1-1 in stoppage time, but a late strike enabled them to win maximum points from their clash with St Andrews.

However, today against the inform Tarxien Rainbows, they must be at their very best to secure the three points.

Apart from being a derby, the Paolites will certainly be under pressure to remain as close as possible to Balzan in the hope that the latter will slip against the Wanderers tomorrow.

Tarxien will certainly be a tough nut to crack. Since new coach Jesmond Zerafa took charge, the team has remained unbeaten, winning 15 points from a possible 21.

Those performances went on to show that the Rainbows are now playing with much more confidence in their abilities and they could now be the great surprise in the third and final round of the league campaign.

Valletta have certainly been rather disappointing so far this season and their performances have been well below par. In fact, most of their numerous fans have remained away from the venues as much more was expected from the outgoing champions.

At present, the citizens stand seven points behind leaders Balzan and just one ahead of fourth placed Birkirkara and two ahead of fifth placed Floriana.

Not only are their chances of retaining the title looking very slim at present, but they are now seeing their close followers for third place returning to their best form and challenging seriously with a whole round of matches (11) still to be played.

The Spartans will not be easy opponents. On their day, they can offer a strong challenge to any team. Moreover, they are occupying a safe mid-table position and have no relegation worries.

Birkirkara and Floriana are slowly but surely regaining their early season form and this is what makes today’s second clash at Ta’ Qali very interesting to watch.

After a series of disappointing results, the Stripes have managed to get back into contention for the third or perhaps the second place.

But they must maintain their momentum if they are to continue challenging. The same applies to their opponents Floriana.

The Greens were back in form to beat Mosta 4-0 last week. That followed two unexpected defeats at the hands of Sliema and Gzira.

In the first round match, the two sides figured in a 1-1 draw.

The other two matches involve the three teams fighting to avoid the Drop.

The most important game is undoubtedly the direct clash between Pembroke and Mosta.

The latter are propping up the table one point behind their opponents and they will have to win the three points, not only to overtake Pembroke, but also to get closer to Gzira who are two points above the Athleta.

It should be a keenly fought match which can go either way.

In the other match, Gzira United will also be eyeing the three points from their match against St Andrews.

The Maroons have shown some improvement lately and the inclusion of former Hibs and Malta now veteran midfielder Andrew Cohen should be a massive asset.

But they will be facing a side which has also shown a vast improvement this season. Only last week, they were very unlucky to have gone home empty handed against none other than Hibernians, missing out on at least one point after suffering the deadly goal a few seconds from the final whistle.