Qormi's status as the top team in the BOV Premier League faces a stern test this evening when they meet champions Hibernians at the latter's stadium in Corradino (kick-off 19.30).

Last weekend, Jesmond Zerafa's team extended their positive streak with a 3-0 victory over Msida St Joseph to open up a two-point gap at the top.

Hibs, on the other hand, have been far from impressive in recent weeks but they still managed to pick seven points from their last three matches to move up to fourth, just five points behind Qormi.

Victory over Qormi this evening would lift Mark Miller's men to within touching distance of the leaders, and with several first-team players close to regaining full fitness, the Paolites would be in a strong position to mount a bold bid to retain the title.

Miller, the Hibs coach, is not looking beyond this evening's match though. He expects his players to raise their game by a few notches after last weekend's hard-fought win over bottom-placed Dingli Swallows.

"This is a must-win match for us," Miller told The Times yesterday.

"Our form has not been very good in recent weeks as we had several players who suffered injury setbacks while our key men have not played to the best of their ability. Despite all the problems, we're still in a good position and the match against Qormi is a great opportunity for us to edge closer to the top placings.

"Qormi are on a great run at the moment and we certainly have a tough test on our hands. However, we are approaching the match with great determination as victory against them would be a massive boost to our title aspirations."

The Hibs coach cannot field his strongest team this evening as Uruguayan midfielder Christian Callejas is still out with a knee injury and Jonathan Pearson is sick.

Gozitan winger Chris Camilleri represents the only addition to the Hibs' squad in the January transfer window so far but he is unlikely to be the only new face as Miller admitted that he is looking to sign a foreign striker to boost his forward line.

"I feel that the attacking department is one area that needs to be strengthened," Miller said.

"We want to bring in a powerful forward, one who is capable of taking the pressure off the team in key moments of the match. I feel that we are short in that department but I'm hopeful that, by the end of the month, I will have found the right player who will put us in a stronger position to approach the second part of the season."

While Miller is still searching for reinforcements, Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa has already secured two excellent signings after concluding loan deals for Valletta midfielder Stefan Giglio and Matthew Bartolo, the Sliema winger.

Zerafa said the arrival of Giglio and Bartolo is a clear indication that Qormi are determined to maintain top spot by the time the Championship Pool gets underway.

"If some thought that Qormi would ease up now that we have reached our pre-season objective of making the Championship Pool, they are completely wrong," Zerafa insisted.

"We have every intention of retaining our position among the top teams in the division and the additions of Giglio and Bartolo have increased our options.

"Nobody expected us to be so competitive this season but our excellent run so far have strengthened our motivation to challenge for a berth in European competitions next season."

The Qormi coach has a full squad at his disposal as Brazilian striker Camilo, who is a target of a South Korean club, has recovered from injury.

"We are under no illusions as to the difficulty of our match against Hibernians," Zerafa said.

"They are the champions and although they have not been showing their best form lately, I still have great respect for Hibs. They are capable of beating anyone on their day. I feel that the pressure is all on Hibs as they need the points to strengthen their title push.

"Our approach will be the same as for previous matches and if the players show the same tactical organisation and play with the right attitude, I see no reason why we cannot continue our positive run of form."

First round result - Qormi vs Hibernians 3-1.

Programme

Today: Hibs Stadium - 19.30 Hibs vs Qormi.

Tomorrow: National Stadium - 14.00 Birkirkara vs Dingli Swallows; 16.00 Msida St Joseph vs Valletta.

Sunday: Tedesco Stadium - 14.00 Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans; 16.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Tarxien Rainbows.