Valletta try to re-open title chase by beating Hibernians tomorrow
The Bank of Valletta Premier League resumes today – the first of two days which involve the 28th round.
Two matches are being played today and the remaining four tomorrow.
The big match between Hibernians and Valletta is being played tomorrow. In this match, Valletta will be trying to beat the Paolites to re-open the title chase, thus also bringing Balzan back in contention, always if the latter beat an improved Gzira United side.
After Hibs beat Balzan and Valletta received a setback with the draw against arch rivals Floriana last Sunday, it is obvious that the Paolites were the great winners – they are now leading Valletta and Balzan by five points.
But with six matches still to be played and with some important matches still pending, it is clear that nothing is decided so far.
But a victory for Hibernians this evening will certainly enable them to start preparing for a championship victory celebration. In fact, that would mean an eight-point lead over Valletta and at least five over Balzan (if the latter win against Gzira) with just five matches remaining.
Valletta, of course, will not be throwing in the towel so easily. They are well aware that a win over the Paolites will move them to within two points of the leaders and that should be enough motivation for the citizens to do their utmost to win all the three points.
If they (and Balzan) falter, they might also face a different challenge in the remaining matches, as fourth placed Birkirkara, and possibly fifth placed Floriana, could well challenge them for second or third place.
Balzan will also have to be back at their best as they face the much improved Gzira United team. The latter have made giant steps forward since Andrew Cohen joined them from Hibernians and they are now completely out of the relegation zone.
Tomorrow, however, Gzira will have Cohen and central defender Diamoutene suspended.
The Stripes are six points adrift of Valletta and Balzan while Floriana are a further point behind.
It is certainly an interesting situation with both Birkirkara and Floriana facing relatively easy matches in this midweek programme.
In fact, Birkirkara should find no difficulty in defeat- ing relegation-haunted Pembroke this evening, while the Greens could find some difficulty to beat Hamrun Spartans tomorrow as they have four players ruled out through suspension – E. Pepe, N. Chiesa, R. Camenzuli and J. Haber.
In the other matches, Sliema face Tarxien Rainbows today while Mosta come up against St Andrews tomorrow.
Suspended players
Two matches J. Haber (Floriana)
Ivan Janjusevic (Balzan), N. Vukanac (Birkirkara), E. Pepe, R. Camenzuli and N. Chiesa (Floriana), A. Cohen and S. Diamoutene (Gzira U.); C. Bong Won (St Andrews)
Programme
Today Hibernians Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Sliema W.-Tarxien R.; 8pm Pembroke Ath.Birkirkara.
National Stadium, Ta’ Qali: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Mosta-St Andrews; 8pm Valletta-Hibernians.
Victor Tedesco Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Balzan-Gzira United; 8.15pm Hamrun S.Floriana.