The first honour of the 2006-2007 domestic season is at stake this evening when Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians, Malta's flag-bearers in the UEFA Cup, lock horns in the final match of the Euro Challenge Cup at the National Stadium (kick-off 8 p.m.).
Contested by the country's qualifiers for the two main European club competitions, namely the Champions League and the UEFA Cup, the Euro Challenge Cup is played on a round-robin format over a period of five days.
Having swept past the challenge of Birkirkara in their initial outings, Sliema and Hibs, who next week play the first legs of their UEFA Cup matches against Romanian clubs Rapid and Dinamo Bucharest respectively, are co-tenants of top spot with three points apiece. This means that both teams have a more or less equal chance of winning the competition although Hibs' superior goal difference gives them a slight edge.
On Wednesday, the Paolites edged past Birkirkara by the odd goal in five, knocking the Stripes out of contention for the cup after the latter had lost 1-0 to Sliema in Monday's curtain-raiser.
A draw would be enough to hand Hibernians their first success in the history of this tournament, formerly known as the Lowenbrau Cup. If Sliema are to retain the honour and make it six wins in this competition, they must beat Hibernians.
Edward Aquilina, the Sliema coach, will have been pleased with the efforts of his team in their first outing since they kicked off their pre-season training last month.
One of the most positive aspects of Sliema's showing on Monday was the performance of Stefan Giglio who headed the winning goal 10 minutes from the end of normal time. The former Malta international was a sprightly and hard-working figure in Sliema's midfield, raising hopes that the injury setbacks that blighted his progress last season are behind him.
Giglio is certain to retain his place in Sliema's midfield today but Aquilina must make two changes from the team that started Monday's match after midfielder Roderick Bajada and young forward John Mintoff were red-carded.
Chucks Nwoko, signed from Birkirkara in midweek, is expected to make his Sliema debut today, filling the void left by Mintoff. Bajada's place should go to Alex Muscat who, having been unwell in the days leading up to Monday's match, only made a late appearance as a substitute.
Hibs, already touted as potential challengers for the league title next season on the back of their FA Trophy success in May, were the better team in their match against Birkirkara and fully deserved their victory. Robert Gatt, the Hibernians coach, is unlikely to reshuffle his team for their meeting with Sliema.
Andrew Cohen, on a high after being named MFA Footballer of the Year for the second time in a row, is an injury doubt after picking up a knock against Birkirkara.
While Sliema have already settled on their foreigners' trio for next season, with Czech midfielder Zdenek Svoboda, currently out with a calf problem, joining Nigerian goalkeeper Murphy Akanji (also injured) and Italian defender Mauro Di Lello, Hibs are still pondering their options.
On Wednesday, Nigerian forward Ndubisi Chukunyere was a surprise inclusion in the Hibs' squad. Chukunyere was released by Hibs before the start of last season but he now looks to have been offered a second chance to relaunch his career with his first love.
Udo Nwoko, who spent last season on loan with Mosta, missed the 3-2 win over Birkirkara due to a slight injury but he's widely tipped to stay with Hibs this season. Sources said that Nwoko is also attracting interest from a Scottish club.
Argentine midfielder Pablo Cesar Doffo has also been training with Gatt's team for the past few weeks but he's currently recovering from injury. Bulgarian defender Georgi Ivanov has returned home after failing to impress during his trial with the Paolites.