End-of-season duels between Valletta and Birkirkara are usually crunch matches determining the league champions or cup winners.
Only last year these two rival teams faced each other in the final fixture of the league trek which saw the Citizens overcoming the Stripes 2-0 for their 22nd league title.
Fast forward 12 months and the scenario is somewhat different as this time both Valletta and Birkirkara were pipped to the post by a rampant Hibs team who sealed their title triumph with three matches to spare.
Still today’s Valletta-Birkirkara encounter (kick-off 7pm) holds a fair dose of significance as they look to finish runners-up in the championship.
Last week, Birkirkara leapfrogged the Citizens into second place after a 3-1 win over Żebbuġ Rangers. They are a point ahead of Valletta who could only manage a 3-3 draw in their last match against Sliema.
Paul Fenech, the Birkirkara midfielder, reckons second place may well be seen as a consolation prize but a strong finish could aid the Stripes in their quest to win the FA Trophy.
“Teams of our calibre always start the season with the aim of winning the league. However, this was not our year and Hibs fully deserved their success,” he told Times of Malta.
“Our best hope in the league is the runners-up spot but we also have the FA Trophy semi-finals coming up. So, a strong finish is what we really need to do well in the cup competition.”
Striker Liliu is pushing for a start in Birkirkara’s line-up after marking his return with a goal against Żebbuġ last week but skipper Gareth Sciberras is still out with knee trouble.
The City fans, though dwindling in numbers, still expect nothing less than a win against the Stripes.
“Matches against Birkirkara are always highly-anticipated by our fans,” Ryan Fenech, the Valletta skipper, said.
“This time round there’s less at stake but the desire to beat them is always there no matter which position we’re in.
“Second place is all we are looking at ahead of the FA Trophy which we want to retain after missing out on the league.”
Previous results: Birkirkara vs Valletta 2-0, 1-1.
The other matches...
Sliema Wanderers vs Mosta (today 5pm, Tedesco Stadium)
Sliema are sweating on the fitness of flu-stricken Michael Mifsud while fellow forward Djumo Bocar is out with a one-match ban.
Defender Stefano Bianciardi is still at the treatment room.
Mosta will be without defender Alieu Darbo and Ian Zammit, both injured. There are also doubts on whether Kurt Magro, Ryan Grech and Michael Dawood can recover in time for the match.
Previous results: Mosta vs Sliema 1-4, 1-2.
Tarxien Rainbows vs Qormi (today 7.15pm, Tedesco Stadium)
Tarxien, seeking a third successive victory, are boosted by the return from suspension of Carlos Hevia, Jorge Yepes and Mou-hamed Soly. But, Alex Cini is out with a one-match ban.
Qormi are almost at full strength with the exception of Emerson Vella. The utility player is out for the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments in the upset to Balzan last week.
Previous results: Qormi vs Tarxien 1-0, 1-2.
Pietà vs Żebbuġ Rangers (today 5pm, National Stadium)
Pietà have three players missing for this must-win relegation clash as Rafael Rodrigues and Orosco Anonam are carrying injuries while Christian Grech is suspended.
Ricardo Costa, however, recovered from knee trouble and is set to start for the Hotspurs.
Żebbuġ have no selection problems for this basement clash.
Previous results: Żebbuġ vs Pietà Hotspurs 0-1, 2-1.
Floriana vs Naxxar Lions (tomorrow 5pm, National Stadium)
Floriana are without four regulars through suspension – goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona, midfielder Steve Pisani and strikers Vito Plut and Amadou Samb.
However, forward Matteo Piciollo is available this weekend after serving a one-match ban.
Naxxar can rely on goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi. He recovered from a rib injury so coach Jesmond Zerafa has a full squad available.
Previous results: Naxxar Lions vs Floriana 1-1, 1-4.
Hibs vs Balzan (tomorrow 7pm, National Stadium)
Newly-crowned champions Hibernians will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run when they take on Balzan.
Coach Branko Nisevic must have had a busy time this week to try and keep the team focused on the remaining matches this season after last week’s celebrations when the Paolites made sure of the title with a convincing 3-1 win over Floriana.
Andew Cohen is back from suspension but Nisevic could be tempted to give more playing time to some of his fringe players.
Striker Bojan Kaljevic is a major doubt for Balzan after a picking up a knock against Qormi. But, Oscar Guerrero and Edison Zarate are both fit and could feature.
Previous results: Balzan vs Hibs 0-3, 0-4.