Title rivals eye show of force

For the past three seasons, Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara have enjoyed predominantly exclusive roles in the struggle for honours.

Their status as perennial title candidates inevitably deepened the sense of rivalry between the two clans as they strove to outdo each other in their quest for glory.

The 2005-2006 Premier League trek has, by and large, confirmed the much-acclaimed position of Sliema, champions in each of the last three seasons, and Birkirkara as contenders for the championship crown but life at the top has proved more complicated than initially thought.

A handful of slip-ups and the emergence of Hibernians as strong title challengers - the latter's match against Floriana was postponed last Sunday - means that Sliema and Birkirkara have their sights set on underlining their credentials in their head-on encounter this afternoon (kick-off 4 p.m.).

Having halted a barren run of three matches without a victory with a 2-0 defeat of Mosta, Sliema go into their clash with Birkirkara as leaders of the league, one point ahead of Hibs and three better off than their imminent opponents.

For their part, Birkirkara fumbled their chance to start today's game on an equal footing with Sliema sequel to their 2-0 loss to Marsaxlokk on Thursday.

Edward Aquilina, the Sliema coach, is bracing himself for a strong response from Birkirkara after their upset in their last match.

"This fixture always has an extra edge," Aquilina said.

"We will face a determined Birkirkara team who will surely want to make up for their upset to Marsaxlokk. We have to be at our best to beat them."

Aquilina can select his first 11 from a full squad today. Noel Turner and Orosco Anonam have completed rehabilitation from knee injuries and Italian defender Mauro Di Lello is in line for a recall to the first team after suspension kept him out of Sliema's 2-0 win over Mosta.

Aquilina is understandably delighted to have a full complement for the Blues' second meeting with the Stripes this season.

"This is the first game for quite a while that I have all the players fit," Aquilina remarked.

"Injuries to a number of key players definitely contributed to the slump in form we suffered in November but we can now look forward to our remaining games with renewed optimism."

Birkirkara's lacklustre showing in their surrender to Marsaxlokk has led to renewed scepticism about their potential to break Sliema's grip on the league title. Stephen Azzopardi, the Birkirkara coach, has called on his players to show their true mettle today.

"Our performance against Marsa-xlokk was one of the worst since I became coach here," Azzopardi said.

"This latest disappointment can only be put aside with a positive display against Sliema."

Sliema's win over Mosta was generally regarded as a timely boost but Azzopardi needs some convincing.

"You have to ask the Sliema coach whether their morale is high," Azzo-pardi said.

"Personally, I don't think that by beating the bottom team Sliema have gained a significant psychological edge. Their confidence will rise if they win this match in my opinion.

"Both teams have a lot to prove, especially in view of Hibs' mounting threat and also with Marsaxlokk coming more into the picture."

Antoine Zahra and Jonathan Holland are out, both injured.

Azzopardi is hopeful that Etienne Barbara will have sorted out his differences with the club, reportedly sparked by strong criticism of his performance against Marsaxlokk, in time to lead Birkirkara's attacking charge today.

First round result - Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-1.

Gruelling test

The Birkirkara-Sliema clash may be getting the lion's share of attention but today's opening match between Marsaxlokk and Valletta (2 p.m.) is also stimulating substantial interest.

Experiencing a revival since Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia and Oliver Spiteri took over the reins of the team, Marsaxlokk could not have hoped for a better build-up to their clash with the Citizens after they dismissed Birkirkara 2-0 in their last outing.

Their positive run of late has resurrected suggestions that Marsa-xlokk could emerge as the dark horses for the title but Farrugia is not thinking too far ahead.

"This game against Valletta will be another stern test for us," the former Malta U-21 mentor told The Times.

"It's paramount that our players don't get carried away by Thursday's victory over Birkirkara. That game belongs to the past now and our focus should be fully devoted to the match against Valletta.

"I am expecting a very difficult game because Valletta have a valid team. Moreover, Valletta gain extra strength from their supporters. I am a big admirer of the Valletta fans... they are the best in Maltese football."

Dynamic midfielder Gareth Sci-berras and goalkeeper Reuben Debono are sidelined with injuries but otherwise Marsaxlokk are expected to be at full strength.

Chris Bart-Williams, the former Nottingham Forest defender, is likely to have played his last game for Marsaxlokk.

The Englishman is currently nursing an injury and Marsaxlokk, unimpressed by his performances in the few matches he has played for them, are seeking an agreement to terminate his contract.

In his absence, the southseasiders have reclaimed fourth place in the standings and are virtually assured of a top-six finish. Farrugia is not entirely happy with his team's output though.

"We have improved but I know that this team has not reached its maximum," Farrugia stressed.

Edging closer to a Championship Pool berth is the immediate goal of Valletta whose bitterness at losing 2-1 to Floriana was softened thanks to a 1-0 victory over Msida last week.

"After the defeat to Floriana, I dedicated a lot of energy to pepping up the players' spirits but I also sought to establish a playing system which best suits the team," Paul Zammit, the Valletta coach, said.

"I hope that our latest victory turns out to be the first step towards an improvement in our fortunes."

Mark Galea and Renie Forace are poised to earn a place in Valletta's 18-man squad after recovering from injuries.

Zammit considers his side's meeting with Marsaxlokk as another gruelling test.

"Marsaxlokk being one of the top teams on the islands, this match will be another important test for my team," Zammit said.

"It's not easy to play against Marsaxlokk because they have many skilful players, especially in midfield and up front. Cleaven Frendo is the fulcrum of this team... we will have to keep an extra eye on him."

First round result - Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 3-2.

Fixtures re-schedule

Tomorrow - Centenary Stadium
Pietà vs Hamrun 6 p.m.
Hibernians vs Floriana 8 p.m.

Friday - Centenary Stadium (Div. I)
St George's vs Tarxien 6 p.m.
San Gwann vs St Andrews 8 p.m.
(All four matches were postponed last Sunday because of waterlogged pitches).