Peace and harmony are two oft-used words during the festive season but come Saturday afternoon, the mood at the National Stadium is unlikely to mirror the Christmas spirit as rivals Valletta and Floriana will go head-to-head for the second time this season.
The Malta FA had originally planned to keep the weekend after Christmas free but after the Premier League was suspended for four weeks in the wake of the demotion of Vittoriosa Stars and Marsaxlokk for match-fixing, the association decided to hold matches on Boxing Day.
The duel between Valletta and Floriana is the highlight of the weekend's five-match programme which kicks off on Saturday with the clash between Sliema Wanderers and Qormi at 2 p.m.
Valletta are optimistic about completing the double over the Greens but, as the old cliché goes, there are no clear favourites in derbies.
Despite the obvious gulf in the resources of the two teams, Floriana are adamant on ruffling their neighbours' preening feathers and make amends for their 6-0 drubbing in the corresponding first round match.
Floriana's build-up to Saturday's clash has been anything but plainsailing as the disappointment of Friday's 6-2 rout to Qormi has been exacerbated by a growing injury list and the uncertainty over their coaching position.
Zoran Popovic is still in talks with club officials about taking over the team after Roddy Collins quit last week. Since Collins's departure, Orosco Anonam has been in charge of first-team affairs on a temporary basis. The Nigerian-born midfielder is having a tough time preparing his team as several players are out of the equation.
Julian Briffa is suspended and Argentine Pablo Doffo is also expected to be given a one-match ban after he collected a fourth yellow card in Friday's match.
Goalkeeper Bernard Paris, Owen Bugeja, Luke Agius and Roberto Brincat are sidelined with injuries while Christian Caruana and Brian Said are doubtful.
If Floriana have a problem putting a team together, not so can be said of Valletta whose strength-in-depth is unrivalled in the Premier League. Striker Ian Zammit is out with a knee problem and Jordi Cruyff could also sit out Saturday's derby.
Valletta coach Ton Caanen knows that the festive period is perhaps not the best time to play a derby but he's backing his players to approach the game with full commitment.
"This week I let the players spend more time with their families," Caanen said.
"I've given them two days off and there will be no training on Christmas day. I know that these type of games are more about mental preparation but even physically, we're prepared."
Last weekend, Valletta missed the chance to overhaul Qormi at the top after being held to a 1-1 draw by Birkirkara but Caanen declared himself satisfied with the performance.
"I was very pleased with how the team played," Caanen said.
"After Birkirkara scored out of the blue, the players didn't lose their heads and kept their focus.
"I counted five clear scoring chances in the second half for us. The team showed great fighting spirit and the experienced players showed their character."
Blues' woes
Leaders Qormi will be striving to turn a modicum of pressure on Valletta when they face Sliema in Saturday's opening match.
Qormi can go four points clear if they upstage Sliema but the latter will be determined to bounce back from an embarrassing upset to Msida in midweek and gain revenge for their 1-0 reverse to the Yellow-Blacks in the first round.
Jesmond Zerafa, the Qormi coach, has no selection problems as reports suggest that Qormi could make a bid for Marsaxlokk left-back Carlo Mamo in January.
After Tuesday's defeat to Msida, Sliema could become embroiled in a grim fight for Championship Pool places. The Blues are in advanced talks with Argentine striker Julio Alcorse and Brazilian playmaker Pedrinho to join them in January.
Birkirkara's encouraging display against Valletta has further enhanced their optimism but coach Paul Zammit has been urging his players to stay focused as they prepare for Sunday's clash with Tarxien.
Paul Fenech and Joseph Zerafa are back in the frame for Birkirkara after suspension kept them out of the one-all draw with the Citizens but Angus Buhagiar is doubtful.
Tarxien welcome back Brazilian striker Ribeiro who was suspended for Sunday's 2-1 victory over Dingli.
Champions Hibs are expected to be at full strength for their clash with Msida as they seek to return to winning ways after taking just one point from their last two matches.
Msida are on a high after their 1-0 victory over Sliema. The Saints were hoping to give a debut to new signing Wendell Gabriels on Sunday but they are still waiting for the MFA green light to register the Costa Rican striker.