After weeks of pre-season preparation, the 2015-16 Premier League gets under way this evening with a four-match programme played at two different venues.

Champions Hibernians get into the action tomorrow and from the look of things they will again be the team to beat this year with Birkirkara very close challengers and Valletta the rank outsiders.

The Stripes, with former Italy striker Fabrizio Miccoli in the team, are coming into the new campaign on the back of an exciting summer following their fine showings in the Europa League.

Valletta are in a ‘transitional period’ but the Citizens, with Paul Zammit back as coach, could still have their say in what many hope will be a far closer title race than the previous one.

Hibs were in a class of their own in 2014-15, going on to seal their 11th league title with a few extra matches to spare and finishing nine points clear of nearest rivals Valletta in the final standings.

Branko Nisevic’s team are on a high even though these are still early days in the season. Last week, they came back from a goal down to see off Birkirkara 2-1 in the BOV Super Cup.

The Paolites get their title defence running with a tricky test against Balzan at the National Stadium.

Oliver Spiteri’s Balzan were the revelation team last season and went on to secure an historic qualification to the UEFA Europa League qualifiers thanks to their fourth-place finish.

Hibs captain Andrew Cohen is not underestimating the threat posed by Balzan but is upbeat the champions can start on a winning note tomorrow.

“There is a great excitement at Hibs for the start of the new championship,” he told Times of Malta.

“We have a tough-looking opener against Balzan but we are looking forward to it.

“Balzan played positive football and they were the only team to beat us last season.

“So, for us we have added motivation.”

Hibs are also coming from a very positive summer after beating Maccabi Tel Aviv at home in a Champions League qualifier.

“Maccabi have a good chance to reach the group stages of the Champions League. They’re a formidable team. Also, our Super Cup victory over Birkirkara has further increased determination to maintain our winning trail this season,” Cohen said.

The Paolites have no selection problems with Nisevic banking on an almost full squad with the exception of striker Jean Paul Farrugia who had knee surgery.

Cohen is under no illusion about the difficulty awaiting his team to retain the league title.

“I think most of the teams in the league have signed new players. Surely, they will be more of a threat for us,” the Malta midfielder said.

“The added number of foreign players in each team inevitably makes the championship more competitive and balanced but I think Birkirkara and Valletta will be our main rivals for the major honours.”

For Balzan, tomorrow’s match represents a perfect test to gauge their potential and coach Oliver Spiteri is keen to try and upset the champions.

“Hibernians are definitely the best team in the league,” he contended.

“I was really impressed by their performance in the Super Cup... they are the team to beat. However, at Balzan we intend to build on the achievements of last season and a satisfactory result against Hibs would be the ideal start.

“We have brought in some excellent reinforcements this summer and that makes us more confident in our chances.”

Spiteri, however, is still without Bojan Kaljevic. He is recovering from ankle surgery which should rule the striker out until October.

Balzan are trying to add more options in attack and reports suggest they’re keen to sign Qormi forward Alfred Effiong.

“We have approached Qormi over Alfred Effiong but at the moment things look a bit complicated,” Spiteri confirmed.

“Effiong would be a great addition for us and we are trying our best to conclude negotiations. However, talks are still ongoing at the moment.

“Hopefully, there will be some positive developments by the end of the week.”

Playing today
(Hibernians Stadium)
18.30 Birkirkara vs Naxxar Lions
20.30 Sliema Wanderers vs Tarxien Rainbows

(Victor Tedesco Stadium)
18.30 Qormi vs Pembroke Athleta
20.45 St Andrew’s vs Valletta

Tomorrow
(National Stadium)
18.30 Floriana vs Mosta
20.30 Balzan vs Hibernians