Fans are in for a weekend of non-stop football action as no fewer than 15 games from the third round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup will be played between today and Monday.
Interest in this one-off competition, organised by the Malta FA to commemorate the first league championship in 1909-10, is set to grow as nine Premier League sides enter the fray in the third round.
Valletta are the only top-flight club not in action over the next three days as their clash with Division Two side Gozo FC, scheduled for Monday, has been postponed to a later date.
Division Three teams Naxxar Lions and Żejtun Corinthians will set the ball rolling this evening at the Centenary Stadium, starting at 18.00. The Lions advanced to this round after identical 2-0 victories over Fgura United and Senglea Athletics while Żejtun had the better of Gudja (1-0) and Attard (3-0).
Today's second match promises to be an interesting affair as Birkirkara take on Marsaxlokk. Despite being demoted from the top flight for match-fixing, Marsaxlokk still have a strong team and their players will be keen to show their mettle against the Stripes.
Another four matches are scheduled for tomorrow at the Centenary Stadium and the Tedesco Stadium with the most attractive fixtures involving Sliema Wanderers and Floriana. The Blues take on San Ġwann while Floriana cross swords with Mqabba.
Eight matches will take place on Sunday. The card includes two all-Premier League ties, Hibernians vs Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows vs Msida St Joseph.
The other top-flight teams in action on Sunday are Dingli Swallows, who play Vittoriosa Stars, and Ħamrun Spartans who face St George's.
The programme will be completed on Monday when Division One side Balzan Youths, on a high after their 5-0 rout of Msida in the FA Trophy, face Qrendi.
Programme
Today: (Centenary Stadium) 18.00 Naxxar Lions vs Żejtun Corinthians; 20.00 Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara.
Tomorrow: (Centenary Stadium) 13.30 Żurrieq vs Mellieħa; 15.30 Sliema Wanderers vs San Ġwann. (Tedesco Stadium) 13.30 St Patrick vs Żebbuġ Rangers; 15.30 Floriana vs Mqabba.
Sunday: (Centenary Stadium) 9.00 St Andrew's vs Għargħur; 11.00 Siġġiewi vs Mosta; 13.30 Melita vs Pietà Hotspurs; 15.30 Hibs vs Qormi. (Tedesco Stadium) 9.00 Lija Athletic vs Birżebbuġa St Peter's; 11.00 Dingli Swallows vs Vittoriosa Stars; 13.30 Ħamrun Spartans vs St George's; 15.30 Msida St Joseph vs Tarxien Rainbows.
Monday: (Centenary Stadium) 18.00 Balzan Youths vs Qrendi.