A season that has hitherto failed to capture the imagination of the fans could finally spring to life tomorrow as Valletta and Birkirkara will be involved in the first real title showdown at the National Stadium.
With only three points separating the top five, this championship is anything but a two-horse race.
The tight situation at the top is certainly not in keeping with expectations as Valletta, the early-season favourites to retain the title, are facing an uphill struggle to reach their aim after sliding to second place following an unexpected 3-2 defeat to Tarxien on Tuesday.
Top of the heap with a one-point lead over the champions, Birkirkara know that a win would significantly strengthen their title prospects.
Goalkeeper Justin Haber insists that the Stripes are wary of looking too far ahead.
“The coach has been urging us to concentrate only on our next match,” Haber told The Times.
“There’s no doubt that this clash against Valletta is very important and every player wants to be involved. Personally, I relish this type of games and I’m really looking forward to it.
“We are aware of Valletta’s strength but we also have confi-dence in our abilities.”
Birkirkara warmed up for tomorrow’s match with a 7-1 destruction of Mosta.
“We are first in the league and that is a boost before the game against Valletta,” Haber said.
“Before, we were chasing the teams above us but we’re now ahead of the rest. That’s a good position to be in.”
Birkirkara’s chances looked to have been dashed after losing the opening Championship Pool match against Sliema but Zammit’s men have bounced back with two successive wins.
Haber, who joined Birkirkara in January, said the support of the coach and committee has been key to the team’s bold response.
“I’ve only been here for less than two months but one thing that has struck me most is that the coach, committee and all other officials, have stayed behind the players through the good and bad times,” Haber said.
“This has taken some weight off our shoulders and it has also had a positive effect on our perfor-mances.”
Inevitably, Valletta are under intense pressure as anything short of victory would jeopardise their title chances.
City’s Roderick Briffa admitted it’s a make-or-break affair.
“In a way, this is almost crucial for us,” Briffa said.
“We have spurned the chance to stay top but we can recover. There are still several games left but only a victory would do for us.”
Briffa is backing Valletta to make amends for their defeat to Tarxien.
“The coach spoke to us after the Tarxien game. We know how to approach important games because we have the experience to deal with these kind of situations,” Briffa said.
The Citizens’ captain suggested that Birkirkara might adopt a cautious gameplan tomorrow.
“They are ahead of us and that might induce them to approach the game differently,” Briffa said.
“They could seek to catch us on the counter but, whatever their strategy, we will be up to the challenge.”
The return from suspension of utility man William Barbosa is a fillip for Valletta. Defender Jonathan Caruana could also be available after illness kept him out of the Tarxien game but centre-half Luke Dimech is doubtful.
Previous results: Valletta vs Bir-kirkara 1-1, 1-0.
Other matches
Ħamrun vs Floriana (today 2pm, Hibs Stadium).
This is a crucial match for Ħamrun. They will be without defender Adrian Borg who received a two-match ban following his sending-off in a 2-0 loss to Qormi.
Coach Stefan Sultana is hopeful that Terence Vella recovers from a knock.
Floriana, who virtually allayed their relegation fears after their 2-1 win over Rabat, must make do without Steve Pisani, suspended.
Previous results: Ħamrun vs Flo-riana 1-1, 0-2.
Mosta vs Hibs (today 4 pm, Hibs Stadium).
A must-win game for Hibs who have dropped to third after defeats to Birkirkara and Sliema.
Jackson Lima and Marcelo Dias are suspended while Zoran Levnaic and Obinna Obiefule are still on the casualty list for the Paolites.
Mosta, humiliated 7-1 by Birkirkara in midweek, are weak-ened by injuries and suspensions.
Ryan Grech and Kurt Magro have to observe a one-match ban while Carlos Campagnoli, Steve Chie-meka, Steve Bezzina and Alex Cini are injured.
Previous results: Mosta vs Hibs 2-3, 0-1.
Sliema vs Tarxien (tomorrow 2pm, National Stadium).
A direct clash between the two surprise teams of the season, both in the running for the title but whose chief target is to qualify for Europe.
Sliema coach Alfonso Greco must make one change from the Hibs game as Luca Martinelli will be serving a one-match ban.
Tarxien are expected to have the same formation that started the 3-2 win over Valletta.
Defender Brani-slav Timotic is still plagued by a back problem.
Previous results: Sliema vs Tar-xien 3-2, 1-2.
Rabat vs Melita (Monday 6pm, Tedesco Stadium).
A true relegation six-pointer for bottom sides Rabat and Melita.
Midfielder Joseph Caruana is back for Rabat after suspension while Justin Felice could also make it as he is close to completing his recovery from a thigh problem.
Melita coach Patxi Salinas has no selection problems.
Previous results: Rabat vs Melita 3-3, 0-0.
Balzan vs Qormi (Monday 8.15pm, Tedesco Stadium).
Qormi opened a two-point lead over Balzan at the top of the Relegation Pool before this clash.
Midfielder Edison Bilboa Zarate is suspended for Qormi but otherwise coach Jesmond Zerafa has a full squad at his disposal.
Forward Christian Caruana will miss out for Balzan after receiving a one-match ban.
Previous results: Balzan vs Qormi 2-1, 2-1.