Last round before the playoffs

The Bank of Valletta Winter League enters its most interesting phase today and tomorrow when the final round before the playoffs is staged.

San Giljan TUM Invest are expected to finish this round on top as they face neighbours and Balluta Bay rivals Neptunes Leo Vegas in the final match of the round tomorrow.

It should not be an easy match considering the rivalry between the two neighbouring sides, but in the event of a victory – or a draw – against Neptunes, the Saints will retain their impressive unbeaten run – they won all competitions last year and this year’s opener, the Enemed Cup.

And if they go on to win the League, it will be their third consecutive winter title victory.

The Saints have been the most consistent side in this round and should be considered favourites to beat Neptunes who, like Sliema, have disillusioned their fans so far this year.

At present, after four matches, San Giljan lead the standings with 12 points.

They are followed by Sirens on 9, Sliema and Neptunes 6, Exiles 3 and Valletta with no points.

In the other matches, Sirens Greentube will be eyeing a win against bottom side Valletta Videoslots.com in order to retain their second place, to make sure of their berth in the semifi- nals. Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate should be considered favourites to beat Exiles Jetfreight.

In the Playoffs it will be the 3rd against the 6th placed (match 1), and the 4th against the 5th (match 2) for a place each in the semifinals.

In the semifinals, the 2nd placed in the first round plays the winner of Playoff 1 and the first placed will face the winner of Playoff 2.

These playoffs are to be played on 21 April, the semifinals on 28 April and the final on 5 May.

Programme

Today

6.15pm Ta’ Xbiex Amigos-Otters Nivea

7.30pm Sirens Greentube Videoslots.com

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Valletta 3pm Marsascala TranskriptaB’Buga Freeport

4.15pm Exiles Jetfreight-Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate

5.30pm San Giljan TUM InvestNeptunes Leo Vegas