The Gatorade Premier Division has now reached a decisive phase as the top four teams will cross swords in the play-offs.

In the first leg, to be played tonight, champions Balzan take on Ħamrun Spartans while Luxol, who topped the standings in the regular season, face surprise package Valletta.

Luxol, the only team without defeat so far, start favourites to reach the final but they know they cannot underestimate Valletta who continued to show progress after sealing promotion last year.

The Citizens will be banking on their inspirational trio Javier Montes Burgos, Xavier Saliba and striker Denis di Maio to pose a threat to the Luxol rearguard.

Both teams have faced each other twice in the league with Luxol emerging winners on both occasions – 4-3 and 7-2.

Balzan face a tough test against the Spartans as they seek to make it a treble of titles this season, having already won the Super Cup besides reaching the final of the KO competition.

Ħamrun stunned Balzan 7-2 in a league match this season but the champions were the better team in the second round as they beat the Reds 5-3.

In the play-off double headers, the team with the best aggregate will qualify for the final.

Meanwhile, the pavilion was tinted with red and white colours as Lija were crowned Division One champions after seeing off Mqabba’s challenge.

Lija, who had already sealed promotion to the Premier League, had Aleksandar Ribic to thank for their 6-0 win as he scored four of their goals.

Nicola del Re and Larkin Saffrett were the other Lija goal-getters as they finished with an unassailable nine-point lead over second-placed Mellieħa.

This season, Lija only conceded one defeat in 22 matches, winning the rest. They boast the most prolific attack – 156 goals – and had the meanest defence which was breached 46 times.