League leaders Valletta face neighbouring rivals Floriana in crucial encounter

The 25th and penultimate round of the competition enters a crucial stage this weekend with several interesting matches on the card which includes four derby clashes.

After yesterday evening’s match between Hamrun and Lija, two derbies are to be played today – Floriana v. Valletta and Gzira v. Sliema. The other two derbies – Hibs-Tarxien and Mosta-Naxxar – are scheduled for tomorrow.

There is a very interesting situation at present considering that only two matches remain to be played by each club.

Valletta are the league leaders on 54 points followed by Balzan in second place on 52. Third placed are Gzira United on 48 points, while Birkirkara are fourth on 44. Floriana and Hibernians are joint 5th with 42 points and Sliema have 50.

With Hamrun and Senglea having already made sure of their presence among the elite next season, the relegation issue leaves four clubs unsure of their safety.

Mosta have 23 points. They are followed by Tarxien on 21, St Andrews 20 and Naxxar on 16.

As can be seen clearly, both at the top and at the bottom, all or most of the clubs will be fighting desperately for precious points.

Battle for title

After last week’s slip by Balzan – they were beaten 3-1 by lowly Tarxien Rainbows – Valletta took over the league leadership after beating Hamrun convincingly 3-0 to take a two-point lead over their rivals.

But there could be more drama this week as Valletta will be facing their arch rivals Floriana against whom they cannot take anything for granted.

The citizens, however, showed they are in no mood for mercy at present when they beat the Spartans last week.

They played one of their best matches in this second round and annihilated their opponents with relative ease.

Coach Danilo Doncic has given the side fresh impetus since he took over but they will have to be very cautious against the Greens who are considered as difficult opponents.

The Greens, in fact, are also in dire need of points in the knowledge that a 4th placing may also see them taking part in the Europa League next season.

If Valletta, Balzan or Birkirkara win the FA Trophy, then it will be the 4th placed club in the League that advances into the European competition next season.

The rivalry between the Whites and the Greens may also help to produce an electrifying atmosphere this afternoon at the National Stadium at Ta’ Qali.

But it will be the final outcome which will remain more important for both clubs. Balzan will be playing against Senglea soon after the end of the Floriana-Valletta game this afternoon and they must be expected to win the three points in the hope that this time, it will be Valletta’s turn to slip.

Balzan will certainly have to forget about last week’s unexpected defeat at the hands of the Rainbows and they will also have to face a Senglea side which can now play with more tranquillity after having made sure of their status at least for another season.

The third place

This is another interesting battle between Gzira and Birkirkara, at present distanced by four points.

The Maroons have 48 points while Birkirkara are on 44. However, everything is still in the balance considering the remaining fixtures. Gzira seem to have a difficult programme having to face Sliema today and then title challengers Valletta on the last day. On the other hand, Birkirkara face relegation-haunted St Andrews today and Hamrun on the final day of the competition.

It is clear that nothing has, as yet, been determined in this issue and everything is yet to be played for, unless Gzira manage to beat their neighbouring rivals Sliema. In that case, the Maroons would make sure of finishing third to claim their berth in next season’s Europa League.

Relegation issue

In this sector, as already said, four clubs are still very much interested in the proceedings.

Here we have Mosta leading on 23 points, followed by Tarxien 21, St Andrews 20 and Naxxar 16.

Naxxar seem to be the most likely candidates to join Lija Athletic and they will certainly be doomed tomorrow if they go down against their neighbouring rivals Mosta.

The match is also important for the latter because if they suffer a loss, they could yet have to face a fight till the very end to avoid the 13th place which means the occupant will have to play a decider against the third placed in the first division and win it to retain its status. Of course, this depends heavily on the results of the other clubs as well in the remaining two matches.

Both Tarxien and St Andrews will be facing a hard time this weekend. The Saints face a Birkirkara side aiming to return to victory to retain their slim hopes for an eventual third place, if Gzira slip against Sliema.

And for Tarxien, it might be even more difficult as they face their rivals Hibernians in the fourth and final derby of the weekend.

All points to a very interesting 25th round programme which should give a clearer picture of what will be in store for the final day – the 26th round.

Remaining matches for all clubs

Balzan: Senglea Ath., Hibernians Valletta: Floriana, Gzira Utd. Gzira U.: Sliema W., Valletta Birkirkara: St Andrews, Hamrun S. Floriana: Valletta, Lija Ath. Hibernians: Tarxien R., Balzan Sliema W.: Gzira U., Mosta Hamrun S.: Lija Ath. (played yesterday, result 1-1), Birkirkara Senglea Ath.: Balzan, Naxxar L. Mosta: Naxxar L., Sliema W. Tarxien R.: Hibernians, St Andrews St Andrews: Birkirkara, Tarxien R. Naxxar L.: Mosta, Senglea Ath. Lija Ath.: Hamrun S. (played yesterday), Floriana