With a gargantuan 15-point lead at the top, Hibernians already have one hand on the BOV Premier League trophy but Branko Nisevic has been at pains to stress that the title race is not over yet.

The Serbian tactician will be hoping that his players heed his message as Hibs face a stern test this afternoon when they take on second-placed Birkirkara at the National Stadium (kick-off 4pm).

A win for Hibernians would effectively extinguish Birkirkara’s fading title hopes but, on the other hand, three points for the resurgent Stripes could breathe life into the title race.

“It’s a tough game for us,” Nisevic told Times of Malta.

“It’s the first against the second team in the standings. Our last encounter with Birkirkara was also difficult and we only managed to win 1-0.

“Birkirkara are on a good run and their consistency has improved in the second round.”

Nisevic acknowledged that a win today would strengthen Hibernians’ position but scoffed at suggestions that they would all but seal their title mission.

“Let’s just say that a win would put us in a stronger position than where we are now,” Nisevic said.

“However, it would be premature to suggest that the title race will be as good as over because there are still many games left and the points will be halved at the start of the third round.

“We need to remain on our toes.”

Hibernians had to fight harder than expected to overcome the challenge of Nadur Youngsters in their FA Trophy fourth round match on Wednesday.

A shock looked on the cards when Hibs had defender Andrei Agius sent off and Nadur opened the scoring from a penalty but the Paolites showed character to turn the tie around with goals from Luis Edison, Bjorn Kristensen and Johann Bezzina.

Like Hibs, Birkirkara were also involved in cup action on Wednesday, beating Siġġiewi 3-0, but the general perception is that the Paolites had the tougher game.

“We played on Wednesday night, the same as Birkirkara, and our game was quite intense,” Nisevic said.

“In the second half, we had to raise the tempo and the players did well to come through a difficult situation.

“We do have some tired legs but I’m confident that the players will recover sufficiently.”

Wing-back Marcelo Dias is facing three to four weeks on the sidelines with an adductor injury.

Defender Rui De Gracia Gomes is on duty with Equatorial Guinea in the African Cup.

Nisevic is currently assessing the qualities of Jesus Mafouta, a French striker, while Gianluca Goudelias is expecting to start a trial with Hibs in the coming days after the Argentine forward landed in Malta yesterday.

For Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit, today’s clash with the erstwhile imperious leaders is an opportunity for his team to show that they have what it takes to revive their title challenge.

“This game is an important test for us,” Zammit said.

“The reality is that the Premier League leaders have a substantial advantage at the top but this is a chance to gauge our potential. If we want to maintain our belief that we can stay in the title race, we must win.

“The next three games are crucial. After Hibs, we have an important match against Sliema Wanderers and another direct encounter against Valletta.

“These three matches can determine our fate in the third round.”

A lack of consistency has undermined Birkirkara’s title chances this season but Zammit has defended his team’s record.

“In the early months of the season, our performances were hot and cold but, taking everything into consideration, our team has done well so far.

“Birkirkara have won the Super Cup, we are joint-second in the league and have reached the last eight of the FA Trophy.

“The hard facts show that we have done some positive things but in practice, the performances have not been that convincing at times.

“I honestly believe that, thanks to the commitment and hard work put in by this group of players, our squad has improved considerably.

“In the last six to eight weeks, the team has surpassed some tough obstacles to gain vital points that have enabled us to keep fighting.

“One thing is certain... we are not a team that is just happy to fight for the runner-up spot. We will never accept that.”

Birkirkara’s defensive options are boosted by the return of Nikola Vukanac and Matheus Bissi, who were suspended for the 2-1 win over Floriana last weekend.

Bosnian goalkeeper Mirza Hamzabegovic, who completed his move to Birkirkara this week, is expected to be named in the squad.

First round: Hibs vs Birkirkara 1-0.