Who will lift the league trophy tomorrow... Birkirkara captain Gareth Sciberras (left) or his Valletta counterpart Ryan Fenech? Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Huge expectations continue to build up ahead of tomorrow’s BOV Premier League title match between Birkirkara and Valletta at the National Stadium.

Birkirkara currently hold a two-point advantage over their closest rivals so a draw would also do for them to retain the crown for a second successive year.

Valletta have no other option but beat Birkirkara to reclaim the title they lost to the same Stripes last season. City coach Andre Paus reckons that all the pressure tomorrow will be on the champions.

“Birkirkara have everything to lose,” the Dutchman told reporters yesterday.

“Birkirkara are the champions and they’ve been leading the standings for most of season. So, it’s clear they have much more to lose than us.

“They are a very good side but we fear no-one. We will approach the match with serenity and no added pressure. I’m urging my boys to play the normal game and hopefully that will be enough for us to win the title.”

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit played down concerns over the extra weight on his team’s shoulders.

“For us, it’s normal to be under pressure... the levels of expectation are always high at Birkirkara,” he said.

“We’re calm and I’m proud to be in charge of this group of players who have worked their socks off throughout the campaign to be in such a strong position.

“There’s no need to be tense and I know my players will deliver when asked to do what they’ve done for most of this season... to go out and win the match.”

Zammit dismissed suggestions that he might be tempted to change tactics and play for a draw.

Zammit said: “Our attacking approach has helped us achieve some great results, particularly these last few weeks. No, we have no plans to change that for what is the most important match of the season.”

Both teams have no selection worries as Zammit and Paus reported a clean bill of health following their latest matches.

Birkirkara skipper Gareth Sciberras said they are determined not to spoil all the good work achieved this season.

“We have been one of the most, if not the most consistent sides in the Premier League and winning this championship will be the culmination of a great year.

“Our fate is in our hands and we want to finish the job and keep the trophy at our club for another year.”

Valletta had their difficult moments during this campaign but with Paus at the helm of the team the Citizens have shown remarkable improvement and are unbeaten in 2014.

Skipper Ryan Fenech said that the Citizens are itching at the opportunity of ending a tough competition with the crown in their bags.

“Given all the problems we had this season, there weren’t many who gave us a chance,” Fenech said.

“But we defied the odds and now we’re just one win away from the title. So, we are determined to grab this opportunity with both hands.”