Birkirkara’s two-point advantage at the top means that, whatever the outcome of their clash with Hibernians this evening, they would still be in contention for the title ahead of their potentially explosive meeting with rivals Valletta today week.

With Valletta not in action before Monday evening, Birkirkara know that a win today would take them five points clear, thus augmenting the pressure on the chasing Citizens before their match against Balzan.

Theoretically, Birkirkara could be crowned champions on Monday if they see off Hibs and Valletta fail to beat Balzan but few, if anyone, expect that to happen.

All the talk this week has been on the increasing prospect of a last-day title showdown between the front-runners but coach Paul Zammit was keen to stress that Birkirkara are devoting all their attention to this evening’s clash with Hibernians at the National Stadium (kick-off 6pm).

“At the moment, we are only interested in our game against Hibernians,” Zammit told Times of Malta.

“We know that the last game could be decisive but we are only focusing on Hibs for various reasons.

“Our no.1 aim is to sustain the performances and results we have had in the last few matches.

“We are taking it one game at a time. Every week is a battle and we are well aware of this. We’re only looking at our next challenge.

“The results of other teams don’t make a difference to us.”

Although Hibs are out of the title equation, they have proved time and again that they can ruffle the feathers of the big guns as Birkirkara discovered to their cost when slipping to 1-0 defeat against the Paolites in their last meeting.

“Hibernians are the only team who have beaten us twice this season and that says everything about their potential,” Zammit said.

“In the first round of the Championship Pool, Hibs had no title aspirations but like the other teams, they gave us a rough ride and took the three points.

“We know what to expect from them. Although Hibs have been weakened by the departure of their two foreigners in January (Rodolfo Soares and Marcelo Dias), they have a core of Maltese players few teams can match.

“Hibs have a strong team and they showed this when they beat us in the first round.”

Captain Gareth Sciberras, young midfielder Daniel Zerafa and left-back Joseph Zerafa, who has completed a two-match ban, are set to return for Birkirkara today.

Spanish defender Alejandro Mendoza is still nursing a hamstring problem while Nikola Vukanac, Edward Herrera and Jhonnattann have a 50-50 chance of playing as they are carrying knocks.

The Stripes head into their clash with Hibs in high spirits on the back of a stunning 6-0 rout of Sliema.

It was the perfect response from the champions after Valletta had outclassed Mosta to go top of the standings, albeit for 24 hours only.

Zammit paid tribute to the character and resilience of his players as Birkirkara approach the finish line.

“To be honest, we didn’t pay much attention to our position in the table as we were only concerned with winning the game,” Zammit said about his side’s showing against Sliema .

“I’d like to reiterate my satisfaction to be working with this group of players who have been coping with immense pressure throughout the season.

“Sliema are a valid team. Much was made of the fact that Sliema had some absent players but we also had some problems.

“At this stage of the season, it’s normal to have some players missing but I don’t mention the absentees because I have full faith in our squad.

“We have two games left but I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to lead players of this quality, players who have a strong character and a great sense of belonging to the club.

“Birkirkara as a club are also lucky to have this group of players and we will all keep doing our best to reach our objective.”

With third place now secured, Hibs are only playing for their pride but coach Branko Nisevic wants his team to end their Premier League campaign on a high note.

“Definitely, playing against the top team in the league is a challenge on its own,” Nisevic said.

“It’s true that we can neither go second nor slip to fourth in the table but this is still an important game for us.

“We are playing for our pride and we are approaching the game like we did before we met Birkirkara in the first round of the Championship Pool.”

Nisevic expects Birkirkara to approach today’s game with the same mindset that defined their thrashing of Sliema Wanderers.

“Realistically, the do-or-die match for them (Birkirkara) is against Valletta,” Nisevic said.

“If they lose, they would still remain in the title race but I’m sure that they will be going all out to win like they did against Sliema.”

Having brought in a host of promising youngsters in the Championship Pool, Nisevic has no intention of changing his selection policy for the remaining two games.

“In every Championship Pool game, two or three young players have come into the team,” Nisevic said. “It has been a good opportunity to give the upcoming players a taste of Premier League football and it will be the same in our last two games.”

Scott Chircop is out with a knee problem while goalkeeper Jurgen Borg is still not 100 per cent fit.

Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule has been struggling with a minor injury but is expected to declare himself fit to play today.

Previous results: Birkirkara vs Hibs 0-1, 2-1, 0-1.