Top position at stake as Hibs face Birkirkara

An enticing encounter is in prospect this evening when early Premier League pacesetters Birkirkara and Hibernians face each other at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 6.30 p.m.).

This match was originally scheduled for November 22 but had to be postponed to a later date as on that occasion the Paolites had several first-team members on duty with the U-19 national team in the European Championship.

Both teams today will be eager to take maximum spoils not only for a psychological edge in the race for the title, but, more important, victory for either side will lift them to the top of the standings at the end of their first round commitments.

Sliema Wanderers are currently on top of the standings with 18 points from nine matches, one clear of Birkirkara and two ahead of Hibs and Valletta with all three chasing teams having a game in hand over the Blues.

Hibs come into the match on the back of three successive victories.

Sunday's comfortable 2-0 win over Msida St Joseph followed back-to-back victories in the opening two rounds of the FA Trophy against St George's and Vittoriosa Stars.

Coach Mark Miller has set an ambitious target for his players in winning maximum points from their next three league matches before Christmas as he looks to strengthen his team's status as major challengers.

The Paolites' aspirations are boosted by the news that Miller has a full squad available today as defender Jonathan Pearson is back in the fray after serving a one-match ban.

For Birkirkara, this encounter is only their second match in the space of six weeks.

After finishing in the top four in the Premier League last season, the Stripes were awarded a bye to the quarter-finals of the knockout competition. During this period their only competitive match was the 1-1 league draw against Marsaxlokk a fortnight ago.

Coach John Buttigieg should be concerned with his players' lack of match practice. This evening, he cannot field his strongest formation as midfielder Shaun Bajada must serve a one-match ban while defender Lee Lombardi is still recovering from an hernia operation.

Fixtures

Today (Centenary Stadium): 6.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Hibs.

Saturday (National Stadium): 2 p.m. Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana; 4 p.m. Valletta vs Sliema.

Sunday (Tedesco Stadium): 1.30 p.m. Qormi vs Marsaxlokk; 3.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Tarxien.