Balzan’s ambitions of a first-ever Premier League title face a severe test tomorrow as the championship leaders embark on a decisive run of fixtures when they take on fourth-placed Floriana at the National Stadium (kick-off: 2pm).

The Reds are leading the way in the standings, one point ahead of Hibernians and four better off than third-placed Valletta.

This weekend, the Paolites start favourites to beat second-bottom Mosta and the Citizens are also expected to win against lowly Pembroke so anything but a win will do for Balzan to sustain their challenge till the end.

The build-up to tomorrow’s match could not have been better for Balzan as resounding victories over Mosta (7-1) and Pembroke Athleta (5-2) put the side back on top.

Coach Oliver Spiteri is now urging his players that the time has come to show what their real ambitions are as they start a testing three weeks that include clashes against both Hibernians and Valletta.

“It’s time for Balzan to show their true mettle,” Spiteri told Times of Malta.

“We have a very difficult match against Floriana who are worthy of their position. But it’s in matches of this calibre where one can judge if a team has the right credentials to keep challenging.

“The wins over Pembroke and Mosta restored the feel-good-factor in our camp after the setback to Sliema Wanderers last month. So, hopefully, we can extend our momentum to the decisive stage of the championship.”

Spiteri will have to make at least one change to his starting formation tomorrow as defender Clive Brincat will be serving a one-match ban but wing-back Justin Grioli is pushing for a start after coming on as a substitute in Balzan’s last match.

Spiteri is not looking too far ahead. Victory over Floriana would enhance their championship aspirations even though qualification to a European club competition is their priority at the moment.

“European football is an objective for the club and another three points would put us in a strong position to achieve that,” Spiteri said.

“Although others might be talking about our title chances we are taking things week by week and that’s not going to change for now.

“There are too many matches left so we’ll see where all this will take us until May.”

Tomorrow, Floriana will be no pushovers as they also seek to boost their own European ambitions.

Last week, the Greens lost precious ground in their quest for a top-three position as they could only manage a goalless draw against 10th-placed St Andrews to fall four points behind Valletta in the table.

Coach Giovanni Tedesco reckoned his team will be in for a difficult afternoon against Balzan.

“We will be up against a team who have been on top of the standings for most of the season. They have some of the best players in the league and that is a clear testament of their strength,” Tedesco said.

“We have great respect for Balzan but we also believe we can surprise them on Sunday (tomorrow).

“We have already beaten Balzan in the league so surely we won’t lack the belief. We have to give everything and, perhaps, that would be enough for us to beat them a second time.”

Floriana will be without midfielder Steve Pisani (suspended) and Enrico Pepe is still out with injury (knee).

Many reckon Floriana’s slip against St Andrews had seriously dented the team’s hopes of challenging for the title.

“In our last matches we dropped crucial points which probably meant our chances for the league could be over,” Tedesco said.

“But we’re still in the hunt for a place in Europe next season. At present, there’s only a few points separating us from Valletta and we are also in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy… so we are well placed.

“There’s enough matches left to recover ground but to achieve that we need to approach every match like a final, starting with the clash against Balzan.

“The players are up for it and we will give it our best shot.”

Results this season: Balzan vs Floriana1-0, 1-3.

The other matches this weekend…

Today (Hibs Stadium)

Gżira vs Sliema   14.00

■ Gżira United have won their last three games in a row but Sliema lost their last two matches.

Juan Carlos Corbolan is Gżira’s leading scorer with four goals.

Sliema are the only team in the top six with a negative goal difference.

Previous encounters: 1-0, 0-1.

Suspended players: Mark Scerri and Stefano Bianchardi (Sliema).

Today (Hibs Stadium)

St Andrews vs Tarxien      16.00

■ St Andrews are still without a league win this year. Their last victory was against Ħamrun Spartans (3-1) on December 10, 2016.

Tarxien Rainbows last victory arrived on January 22 – a 7-1 rout of Pembroke Athleta.

St Andrews have drawn nine matches, the highest in the league so far.

Tarxien failed to score in their last three matches.

Previous encounters: 1-0, 1-1.

Suspended player: Godwin McKay (St Andrews).

Today (National Stadium)

Valletta vs Pembroke       14.00

■ Valletta scored eight goals in two matches against Pembroke Athleta this season.

Pembroke Athleta conceded no fewer than 56 goals in 24 matches this season and their current goal aggregate shows -34.

Valletta are the team with the lowest number of goals in favour from among the title-seeking sides. Overall, they boast the best defence with only 17 goals conceded.

This season, Pembroke scored more than two goals in a match on one occasion – against Mosta (3-0, November 5).

Previous encounters: 5-1, 3-0.

Suspended players: Leandro Aguirre (Valletta).

Today (National Stadium)

Hibernians vs Mosta        16.00

■ Jurgen Degabriele is Hibernians’ leading scorer with 12 goals.

Mosta conceded 18 goals in their last four matches in the league.

Hibernians won three of their last four games.

Mosta have the lowest tally of goals this season – 17, five less than bottom team Pembroke Athleta.

Previous encounters: 3-1, 2-0.

Tomorrow (National Stadium)

Birkirkara vs Ħamrun       16.00

■ Birkirkara lost, drew and won ahead of this league fixture.

Ħamrun Spartans’ leading goal-scorer Jake Grech returned last week after a one-month injury.

Birkirkara won only four of 15 matches played at the National Stadium.

Ħamrun drew three matches this season, the lowest tally from among all 12 teams in the top flight.

Previous encounters: 2-1, 0-2.

Suspended players: Predrag Jovic (Birkirkara).

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