Msida-Sliema in opening match

Local football enthusiasts can look forward to an intriguing start to the 2004-2005 Premier League season.

The opening day fixtures, on September 7, feature the derby between neighbouring rivals Valletta and Floriana.

Msida St Joseph, among the most energetic clubs in the transfer market, face an early test of credentials to break into the top six when they take on champions Sliema Wanderers in the league's curtain raiser.

Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara, two teams with lofty ambitions of challenging for the league crown, clash on September 8, a national holiday.

Four days after their first assignments, Marsaxlokk and Hibernians will be involved in a head-to-head showdown.

All Premier League matches from September 7 up to October 17 will be staged at the National Stadium.

Opening fixtures:

September 7 - 6 p.m. Msida St Joseph vs Sliema Wanderers; 8 p.m. Valletta vs Floriana.

September 8 - 5 p.m. St Patrick vs Hibernians; 7 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara.

September 11 - 5 p.m. Lija vs Pietà; 7 p.m. Sliema vs Valletta.

September 12 - 4 p.m. Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk; 6 p.m. Birkirkara vs Msida.

(The complete 2004-2005 Premier League fixtures will be carried out in the Score magazine to be distributed free with The Times on August 21.)