High stakes as top two face off

As the long-time tenants of the highest two positions in the Premier League standings, Valletta and Marsaxlokk have earned the right to be considered as the two leading contenders for the championship crown.

Only two points separate Valletta (28) and Marsaxlokk (26) but that discrepancy could change this weekend as the two pace-setters go head-to-head in a duel that could have a bearing on the outcome of the title race.

Buoyed by their 2-0 victory over Sliema last week, Valletta go into the match in a positive frame of mind.

A win for them would surely represent a significant step in their quest to end a seven-year wait for the Premier League title as they would go five points clear of Marsaxlokk and four ahead of Birkirkara, provided the latter overcame Hamrun today.

On the other hand, Marsaxlokk, the current champions, will be aware that a three-point haul from this encounter would not only displace Valletta from the top but would also deal a devastating psychological blow to the Citizens at such a crucial juncture of the season.

David Camilleri, a consistent performer for Valletta this season, described the match as hugely important.

"It's a top clash between two teams who are vying for the title," Camilleri told The Times.

"If we win, we will take a massive step towards winning the league as we will go five points clear of Marsaxlokk with only five matches left."

Valletta have been bracketed among the title candidates from day one of the 2007-08 season but their stock has risen lately, especially on the back of their resolute performance last weekend against Sliema.

"In our last match, we showed that we are a well-drilled team," Camilleri said.

"Teamwork is Valletta's forte this season. Maybe we don't have an abundance of big names here but we're hard to beat because of our cohesion and tactical discipline."

Frank Temile is fast emerging as Valletta's trump card as the dazzling Nigerian produced man-of-the-match displays and hit three goals in back-to-back wins over Floriana and Sliema.

Valletta cannot rely on Temile's flair tomorrow, however, as the 17-year-old must serve a one-match ban.

Fellow forward Ian Zammit has yet to shake off the knee injury he picked up last week but he's expected to be given the green light to play. Midfielder Stefan Giglio suffered a hand injury during training this week but that mishap will not preclude him from being in the squad.

Despite ruing Temile's absence in such a key game, Camilleri is confident that Valletta can cope without their speedy striker.

"It's a pity that Temile is suspended but there were occasions in the past when Valletta had other key players absent but still managed to win. Although Frank will be missed, I believe that we can make up for his absence."

Marsaxlokk may have astounded many local football fans with the way they recovered from a stuttering start to the league trek to get back in contention but Camilleri is not surprised by their lofty position.

"I never ruled Marsaxlokk out," Camilleri, who joined Valletta from the club down south two years ago, said.

"They have the same coach as last year and also retained the core of players who helped them win the championship. In January, they reinforced their squad with the signing of two forwards and they have since solved their scoring problems. I regard Marsaxlokk as the biggest threat to our title bid."

Marsaxlokk's second place attests to their startling transformation from early-season flops to serious title contenders. They have certainly come a long way since they were subjected to widespread derision for their meek capitulation in the 7-0 loss to Valletta.

Carlo Mamo, the seasiders' captain, said his team cannot afford to lose if they are to stay in the hunt.

"A positive result for us is a draw or a victory," Mamo said.

"A defeat would complicate matters as it would leave us five points behind Valletta. A victory would be an excellent result but we have to avoid defeat at all costs.

"Valletta have been one of the most consistent teams this season and their position in the table highlights their strength. Having said that, I see no reason why we shouldn't be confident of beating them because we also have a strong team."

Marsaxlokk's chances of stopping Valletta's 16-match unbeaten league run should be enhanced by the return from suspension of Montenegro striker Aleksandar Madzar. Malcolm Licari is also nearing full recovery from a cartilage operation but Cleaven Frendo is doubtful with an ankle problem. Midfielder Gareth Sciberras is still sidelined with an eye injury.

Looking back on Marsaxlokk's revival in the last couple of months, Mamo said: "In the early months of the season, we were beset by a lack of strikers. We played a number of matches without a pure forward to lead our attack.

"At one time, things got so bad that we were in danger of missing out on the Championship Pool but we regrouped and fought our way back.

"The signings we made in the close season as well as in January helped us as the new players were all keen to prove themselves after having a difficult time at their former clubs. Their determination also had a positive effect on us as we gained fresh motivation to do well this season.

"I am very positive about our chances of retaining the Premier League title. We have the squad to do it but as in everything, we would also need a slice of good luck to succeed."

Results so far: Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 7-0, 1-1.