Level-pegging at the top of the table on 33 points, Valletta and Birkirkara will be all out to lay down an early marker in the title race when the two rivals face up at the National Stadium today (kick-off: 4pm).
Both have had their ups and downs with Valletta recording only their second win in nine matches last weekend after a 4-1 defeat of Hibs while Birkirkara halted a run of four consecutive draws with a 5-0 rout of Tarxien Rainbows.
Mark Miller, the Valletta coach, is relishing the challenge.
“We must stamp our authority,” Miller said.
“I don’t think we played brilliantly against Hibs but for the first time in the last six or seven games, we showed good discipline and defending.
“This is another difficult game but we’re up for the challenge. We know that this will be a massive month for us with matches against Hibs, Birkirkara and Sliema. If we win all three, all the things that happened in the last few weeks will be forgotten.”
Miller reckons that Birkirkara deserve to be where they are.
“They are equal to us on points and that shows they’re a great side,” he said.
“Last week it was Hibs, next week it could be Sliema or whoever. We should take every game as it comes. Birkirkara will come out and try to make it difficult for us but we are big-game players.
“We will have strong support and the other team will also bring many fans, so the atmosphere will be great.”
Miller must make at least two changes from City’s last outing as Ryan Fenech (four yellow cards) and Demba Toure (no medical certificate) are suspended.
Goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo will serve the second of a two-match ban and defender Steve Borg is still out. Striker Michael Mifsud could make the squad though.
For Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, this encounter represents another timely test for his side.
“Until now the league has been inconsistent for most teams but I must laud my players for putting us in this position,” Zammit said.
“It’s a significant achievement that we can build on but there’s a long way to go.
“The title run-in will begin in the Championship Pool but it’s important that, in the first phase, we stay in touch with the top teams and we have done that so far.”
Asked if a win over Valletta would give his team a psychological edge, Zammit said:
“Convincing wins, like we had in our last game (vs Tarxien), and good performan-ces help to boost morale.
“I can’t look at this game as the be-all and end-all but we’ve won the last game to give ourselves a boost.”
Birkirkara are buoyed by the return from suspension of striker Jhonnattann but Ryan Camenzuli must serve a one-match ban.
First round: Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-1.
Qormi newcomers
Qormi vs Floriana (today at 2pm, National Stadium).
Coming from identical 2-1 defeats to Balzan and Mosta respectively, Qormi and Floriana will be determined to claim maximum points.
It has been a busy week for Qormi in the transfer market.
Nigerian Alfred Effiong, who was with Division One side Gżira, has rejoined the Yellow-Blacks who have also added Spanish striker Moises Avila-Perez (ex-Birkirkara) and wing-back Clyde Camoin.
While all three newcomers are set for their debut today, Nigerian winger Abubakar Bello-Osagie is expected to play his last match for Qormi before moving to Sliema Wanderers.
On the negative side, Qormi must make do without midfielder Edison Bilbao Zarate, suspended.
In midweek, Floriana were hit with a one-match ban imposed on in-form winger Igor Coronado. The Brazilian has been disciplined for not being in possession of a valid medical certificate.
Mark Spiteri is out with hamstring trouble and Trevor Cilia is doubtful after picking up an injury in the latter stages of the Mosta game.
First round: Qormi vs Floriana 2-2.
Rabat Ajax vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow 2pm, Hibs Stadium).
An early relegation showdown between two teams languishing at the foot of the standings.
Without a win in 17 games, Rabat are rooted to the bottom with six points, seven behind the Reds who have lost all their last nine league matches.
Rabat coach Silvio Vella is concerned about the fitness of wing-back Yan Cauchi while long-term injury absentees Adam Smeir, Chris Schembri and Ryan Micallef are still out.
Ħamrun will be without Massimo Grima and Glenn Azzopardi, both suspended for not having submitted a medical certificate at the MFA.
After releasing their Bulgarian players, Ħamrun have signed French striker Loic Lumbilla and Albanian defender Bledjon Guga who are expected to play tomorrow.
Coach Stefan Sultana is also hopeful that veteran David Camilleri recovers from a foot problem.
First round: Rabat vs Ħamrun 1-1.
Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (tomor-row 4pm, Hibs Stadium).
Hibs hope to put their 4-1 upset to Valletta behind them when they take on Sliema who boosted their top-six chances after a 1-0 win over Rabat.
Striker Marcelo Dias returns for Hibs after serving a one-match ban but Rodolfo Soares is out after his sending-off against Valletta.
The Paolites have released Brazilian Anderson Ribeiro.
Midfielder Shaun Bajada is expected to make his bow for the Wanderers following his loan move from Valletta. Forward Luigi Ruggiero is suspended while goalkeeper Henry Bonello is sidelined with injury.
First round: Sliema vs Hibs 4-0.