Floriana, Hibs and Sliema cannot afford to drop more points

● Wanderers face Naxxar; Greens meet Tarxien; Hibs take on Hamrun ● Balzan, Valletta expected to beat St Andrews and Senglea respectively ● Bottomplaced Lija must beat Mosta to close gap in relegation battle

The Bank of Valletta Premier League is back in action after the break for the Yuletide season and after yesterday’s Gzira-Birkirkara clash, we have a full programme of six matches between today and tomorrow.

Today it is Balzan-St Andrews, Sliema-Naxxar (both matches at the Centenary Stadium) as well as Lija-Mosta and Valletta-Senglea (at the Hibernians Stadium).

Tomorrow, at the National Stadium, it will be Tarxien-Floriana and Hibernians-Hamrun.

Taking a quick glance at the standings (this preview was written before yesterday evening’s match between Birkirkara and Gzira, Balzan were the leaders on 31 points, followed by Valletta and Gzira on 30. Floriana followed on 26, Hibernians and Sliema on 24, Hamrun 23, Birkirkara 22, Senglea and Mosta on 15, Naxxar, St Andrews and Tarxien 10 and Lija on just 5 points.

With both Balzan and Valletta firm favourites to win their weekend clashes, it is evident that Floriana, and especially Hibs and Sliema, cannot afford to drop more points in their quest to continue battling for the title.

Balzan seem to have the easiest assignment at the weekend as St Andrews seem to be an inconsistent side this season. However, the league leaders must show better form than in their previous encounter when they were stunned by relegation-haunted Naxxar Lions and held to a goalless draw.

Balzan must also be aware that St Andrews obtained a much unexpected 2-1 win against Hibernians in their last encounter.

Valletta also seem to be favourites to beat Senglea, but the latter have provided tough opposition to most of the clubs in the first round.

Valletta obtained a hard-fought single goal victory against Mosta in their last league match.

On their part, Senglea are ebullient after their very impressive 30 win against Sliema in the previous round. Will they be able to maintain that form?

Floriana, who lost 0-2 to Birkirkara in their last encounter, will be aiming to return to winning form when they face Tarxien Rainbows.

The Greens must collect all the three points from this match if they harbour hopes of continuing their challenge for the title. They must also be aware that their next commitment against Hibernians could prove to be decisive for their title hopes – and also for an Europa League berth next season via a third placing in the League.

Hibernians will also be seeking to return to winning form after suffering two consecutive defeats against Balzan and St Andrews.

The champions are not passing through a bright patch at present and they must certainly show better form if they are to overcome the Spartans.

The latter are aware that a victory against Hibs will push them further up the table where they will be able to fight for a possible European football berth next season.

Sliema Wanderers will be facing Naxxar Lions this afternoon and they will also be hoping for a better start to the New Year rather than how they finished in 2017 – a draw and a defeat in their last two encounters.

The Lions have shown progress in recent matches and apart from a narrow defeat against Senglea, they did quite well to defeat neighbours Mosta 2-0 and to hold league leaders Balzan 0-0 in their last three encounters.

Bottom club Lija Athletic will be facing Mosta in a crucial match. Unless they win the three points, they will remain distanced by at least five points from the teams above them in the standings and that will make it even more difficult for them to catch up.

Against Mosta, it will not be easy. Apart from the neighbouring rivalry, it is evident that Mosta are still far from securing their place in the elite division next season. So they will also be aiming for the maximum three points.