Stripes to test Hibs’ title resolve

Amid soaring expectations of an absorbing title race, Hibs will be bidding to hang on to their position at the summit today but their assignment looks anything but easy as they will have to contend with the resurgent Birkirkara (kick-off 14.00).

Level with Valletta at the top on 32 points, Hibs are very much in the title mix while Birkirkara are challenging for Europa League qualification.

Andrew Cohen acknowledged that Hibs’ sights are now set on winning the league crown.

“At the start of the season, our target was to qualify for Europe,” the nippy midfielder said.

“Our win over Valletta in the first round gave us the belief to push on. The results kept coming and, given our position in the table, our aim now is to go all the way.”

Cohen is wary of Birkirkara’s threat.

“We have beaten them twice this season but they’ve improved a lot lately. Birkirkara can take points off any team,” he said.

“They are coming from four positive results but I’m optimistic that, if we are at the top of our game, we can win this one.”

Hibs coach Mark Miller must modify his attack as Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’, the league’s leading marksman with 20 goals, is suspended. Jonathan Pear-son and Cohen are struggling with knocks.

While admitting that Tarabai’s suspension is a minus for Hibs, Cohen is confident that they have enough quality in their ranks to overcome his absence.

“A player like Tarabai is always missed ,” Cohen said.

“He’s given the team a massive boost this season. We don’t have a like-for-like replacement for him but we have other players who can score goals.”

With eight matches to go before the end of the season, Cohen said he wouldn’t be surprised if the title race went down to the wire.

“The way things are at the top, I think that the title issue could well be decided on the final day,” he said.

“There’s little difference between Valletta and us... statistics also show that we’re close.”

Birkirkara may be 10 points off the pace but their performances of late have reinforced the perception that they have what it takes to compete with the front duo.

Midfielder Shaun Bajada believes that crunch matches are bringing the best out of the Stripes.

“We’re finding our best form and our performances have been better against the top sides,” he said.

“Perhaps, we struggled to show our best against smaller teams but the last few games have shown that we’re not inferior to anyone. The coach always believed that we were as good as any of the leading sides.”

Although Birkirkara look well-poised to win the race for third place, Bajada warned that there’s still a long way to go.

“This tussle could go on until the end of the season because Floriana and Sliema are still very much in the running,” Bajada said.

“In football, things can change quickly. Every game throws up different situations.”

Striker Moises Avila Perez will play no part in today’s game as he begins a two-match ban. Coach Paul Zammit is also concerned about the fitness of defender Rodrigo Pereira who has a slight injury.

Results so far: Hibs vs Birkirkara 3-0, 5-0.

The other matches

Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta (today at 16.00, National Stadium).

Valletta find themselves under increasing pressure to get back to winning ways after the 1-1 draw against Birkirkara.

Another tricky test awaits Valletta this afternoon as they face Sliema who have not lost to the champions in the league this season.

Coach Jesmond Zerafa’s task is complicated by the unavailability of four players as Alfred Effiong, Roderick Briffa and Edmond Agius are suspended and Michael Mifsud is out injured.

The absence of three Maltese players has given Zerafa a selection headache as Valletta have a shortage of home-grown talent following the loan departures of Ryan Fenech, Jamie Pace and Dyson Falzon.

Sliema coach Danilo Doncic is also plagued by the absence of a host of key players.

Mark Scerri and Anicet Eyenga are ruled out by suspension and winger Danail Mitev is sidelined after a heavy knock during the 3-3 draw with Balzan Youths.

Left-back Steve Bezzina is also struggling to shake off an ankle problem while Ryan Fenech and Josef Mifsud have been down with flu. Alex Muscat is rated as doubtful.

Results so far: Sliema vs Valletta 1-1, 0-0.

Mosta vs Tarxien (tomorrow at 14.00, Hibs Stadium).

Relegation strugglers Mosta and Tarxien are expected to storm into each other as they seek three points to boost their survival hopes.

Mosta coach Steve D’Amato will surely call on his players to get their act together after a limp performance in the 1-0 defeat to Mqabba.

The return of Kurt Magro is a boost as Mosta were weak in midfield against Mqabba. Striker Gilbert Martin is out, suspended.

Tarxien conceded a late goal in their 1-0 defeat to Qormi.

Coach Patrick Curmi must make do without Orosco Anonam who is injured. On the plus side, defender Everton is available after completing a two-match ban.

Results so far: Mosta vs Tarxien 0-1, 2-1.

Ħamrun vs Qormi (tomorrow at 16.00, Hibs Stadium).

An explosive derby is on the cards as Ħamrun and Qormi face off in a direct relegation encounter.

Both teams are on a high after winning their last league match, Qormi edging Tarxien 1-0 and the Reds hammering Marsaxlokk 6-1.

Matthew Gauci is back in contention for the Spartans after serving a one-match ban while midfielder Daniel Zerafa is close to complete recovery from injury.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Qormi coach, is not expected to make changes from the Tarxien win.

Results so far: Ħamrun vs Qormi 2-3, 0-3.