Valletta set to keep title pursuit

Hamrun Spartans vs Valletta (today at 5 p.m., National Stadium).
Four points to the good at the top of the standings with only five matches to play, Valletta will view their meeting with Hamrun Spartans this afternoon as a not-to-be-missed opportunity to make another significant step towards winning the league title.

Optimism is indeed high in the capital after back-to-back victories over Marsaxlokk (league) and Hibs (Trophy) kept them on a course for the Double but the players will surely have been urged to maintain their focus and commitment in this, the most delicate stage of the season.

Valletta coach Paul Zammit must make at least one change from the team that ground out a 2-1 victory over Hibs in their FA Trophy quarter-final last Saturday as captain Gilbert Agius, who hit the Lilywhites' winner, is ruled out by suspension. His place in the team is likely to be given to Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo who was left out of Valletta's starting formation last weekend.

Stuck in sixth place, Hamrun are expected to use their remaining five league matches as preparation for the FA Trophy semi-finals. The knockout competition has rightly become the Spartans' top priority after Marco Gerada's team secured a place in the last four with a 3-1 win over Dingli Swallows.

Gerada cannot pick his best team as Fenech brothers, Ryan and Roderick, are both suspended. Mark Anthony Bonnici and Kevin Borg have been struggling with minor injuries but both are expected to be named in the 18-man squad.

Results this season: Hamrun vs Valletta 0-0, 1-4, 1-4.

Msida St Joseph vs Pietà Hotspurs (Monday at 6 p.m., National Stadium).
Msida St Joseph will all but secure their Premier League status on Monday if they take maximum points from their clash with Pietà Hotspurs for whom a defeat would effectively seal their relegation fate.

Six points adrift of Msida with both teams having four matches left, Pietà must win this match if they are to revive their slender hopes of avoiding the drop.

Although Msida are favourites to sweep past a Hotspurs' side weakened by injuries, coach Patrick Curmi expects a tough outing.

"Our aim is to win and make sure of our Premier League status but it will not be easy because Pietà will do their best to win and keep their survival hopes alive," Curmi said.

Defender Pio Sciriha could miss Monday's clash as he missed some training sessions this week due to work commitments overseas. Otherwise, Curmi has no selection problems.

Not so can be said of Pietà counterpart Carmel Busuttil whose options are hindered by injuries.

Bernard Sciberras, Ryan Camilleri, Silvan Ciscaldi, Pierre Aquilina and Mark Vella are on the casualty list for the Hotspurs who arguably have the youngest squad in the league.

"This is a do-or-die match for us and we will give our all to stay in the race," Busuttil said.

"Relegation clashes are all difficult, moreso when you cannot rely on some of your best players."

Results this season: Msida vs Pietà 1-0, 7-0.

Marsaxlokk vs Floriana (Monday at 7 p.m., National Stadium).
A season that promised much for Marsaxlokk is in danger of disintegrating after the champions suffered a double blow with two defeats in different competitions in the past two weeks.

The Blues' 2-1 defeat to Valletta in their top-of-the-table clash a fortnight ago has dented their title hopes as well as their chances of claiming the runners-up spot which is currently held by Birkirkara.

Last weekend, Marsaxlokk again threw away a one-goal lead when losing 2-1 to Birkirkara in their FA Trophy quarter-final.

Although Marsaxlokk's quest to defend their first Premier League title has been undermined, coach Brian Talbot will surely encourage his players not to give up and keep fighting until the end.

For Monday's fixture, Talbot cannot select his best formation as Gareth Sciberras and Julio Alcorse are sidelined with injuries.

Cleaven Frendo is still feeling the ill-effects of the ankle injury that kept him out of Marsaxlokk's last two league matches. Trevor Templeman must serve a one-match ban.

Fifth-placed Floriana are not short on confidence after successive wins over Old Firm rivals Floriana in league and cup. Coach Danilo Doncic is also boosted by the return of keeper Simon Agius and Darko Krsteski who both missed the 2-1 win over Sliema in the FA Trophy quarter-final because of suspension.

Club captain Christian Cassar is out of the equation as he is down with flu. Fellow midfielder Mauro Brincat is also set to be rested as he is struggling with a hamstring strain.

Results this season: Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 3-2, 4-1, 2-1.