The 2013 Winter League enters a decisive stage this week as the last rounds of matches will be played between today and Saturday.

As things stand at the moment, Sliema McDonald’s are favourites to retain the title for a fifth successive time as they’re leading the standings with four wins from as many matches.

Not surprisingly, their nearest rivals are the other two big guns in the tournament, Neptunes Emi-rates and San Ġiljan Sir Alex.

However, the latter two teams have already conceded one defeat which dealt a blow to their chances of success.

San Ġiljan lost to Sliema 9-6 in the opening match of the Winter League in early March but the Saints made up for that loss by beating Neptunes 9-5 on April 12.

Like Sliema, Neptunes are also on the 12-point mark but the Blues have a game in hand.

Today, Sliema clash against Neptunes and they round up their commitments in this competition with a relatively easy outing against bottom-placed Marsaxlokk on Saturday. If the Blues avoid an upset in the derby, the title should be theirs for a record eighth time.

Strangely, the top three teams could all finish equal on 15 points if Neptunes beat Sliema and San Ġiljan win their remaining two matches against Exiles (today) and Sirens (Saturday).

With no deciders scheduled , that scenario would leave the ASA with no other option but to calculate the goal average in matches involving the three top teams only to determine the winners of the 2013 pre-season tournament.