Champions Hibernians are buzzing with excitement after pulling to within a point of leaders Valletta with two games left, but coach Branko Nisevic will urge his players not to get ahead of themselves as a potentially difficult match against the resurgent Birkirkara awaits the Paolites tomorrow.

“Birkirkara have reached a good level of form,” Nisevic told Times of Malta.

“Their last games against Valletta and Floriana show that Birkirkara’s performance level is rising.

“It will be another difficult game but the last three fixtures of the championship were always going to be like this.

“We know what to expect and the players are physically and mentally prepared for this challenge.”

While declaring that he had never lost belief in his team’s ability to challenge for the title even when their chances looked remote, Nisevic has challenged his players to put on another show of force by emulating their rousing effort in the 3-1 win over Balzan last Saturday.

“We were always optimistic because we know the potential and quality of our squad,” Nisevic said.

“There were certain games during the season when things didn’t go well for us but we never lost faith.

“Our last game showed the full potential of our squad but we need to repeat that performance in our last two league matches.”

The result of today’s clash between Valletta and Balzan could have a bearing on the top positions in the standings but even if they move above their rivals by the end of this weekend, Hibs’ fate will be decided in their final-day encounter with the Citizens.

Given the twists and turns of the past few weeks, everyone expects the title race to go down to the wire. Nisevic thinks the same.

“Mathematically, it is possible that the race will be settled in our final-day clash with Valletta,” Nisevic said.

“It looks like the title could even be decided in the final minutes of the last match and if it comes to that, we will try to go for it. Valletta will be thinking the same.”

Nisevic is expected to field the same team that started the 3-1 win over Balzan as defender Rui Da Gracia Gomes remains sidelined with a cartilage problem.

Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek is unable to retain the formation that began the 2-0 FA Trophy win over Floriana as midfielder Ryan Scicluna is out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the midweek game.

Winger Ryan Camenzuli is doubtful but Joseph Zerafa is back after missing the Floriana win through suspension.

Although Birkirkara have already secured a Europa League berth, irrespective of who wins the FA Trophy after fellow semi-finalists Sliema Wanderers and Pembroke Athleta failed to apply for a UEFA licence, Besek wants his team to extend their positive run in the championship.

“We have two games left and our aim is to do well in both,” Besek said.

“We know that we can’t win the league but our responsibility is to do our best in every game. We also owe this to the people who run this club.

“That’s our job... we must be professional and fight to win every game.”

Besek is aware that their game against Hibernians could have an impact on the title race but he’s not unduly concerned.

“Every team has its objectives but we can’t think about the problems of our opponents,” he said. “We only have to think about ourselves.”

Birkirkara’s improved performances augur well for their chances of wrapping up their league trek on a high as they strive to further raise their morale ahead of the cup semi-finals. The draw is scheduled for Wednesday.

“When you play well, the confidence goes up,” Besek said.

“Our morale is high after the last two games. Now we have the chance to achieve better results in the final matches and that’s our target.”

Previous results: Hibernians vs Birkirkara 1-1, 2-0.

Programme

Today

Hibs Stadium: 16.00 St Andrew’s vs Naxxar Lions; 18.00 Qormi vs Sliema Wanderers.

National Stadium: 16.00 Pembroke Athleta vs Tarxien Rainbows; 18.00 Balzan vs Valletta.

Tomorrow

National Stadium: 4pm Mosta vs Floriana; 6pm Birkirkara vs Hibernians.