Valletta and Birkirkara have already switched focus to their European assignments next week but domestic matters take precedence this evening as these two rivals meet in the third and final match of the Euro Cup at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

Both sides will be striving to attain a psychological boost before their European games by capturing the first honour of the local football season. Valletta are in pole position as they lead the three-team table with three points after their opening-day 2-1 victory over rivals Floriana on Friday.

Birkirkara’s goalless draw against the Greens means that victory is a must for them to pip the champions to the trophy whereas a draw would be enough for Valletta to top the competition.

Not that anyone expects Valletta to curb their attacking insticts and settle for a draw this evening. Further evidence of the Citizens’ attacking philosophy was provided on Tuesday when the club struck a deal to sign former Marsaxlokk striker Alfred Effiong on a free transfer.

In the context of Valletta’s preparations for the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round match against Tre Fiori in San Marino on Tuesday, today’s game has taken on added significance in the eyes of coach Jesmond Zerafa.

“This is the last warm-up game in our build-up for the European games,” Zerafa said. “The expectations are always high when we play Birkirkara and this game is no different. Our aim is to build on the positive performance we had against Floriana.”

Zerafa doesn’t have a full squad at his disposal as defenders Jonathan Caruana and Ramon are still ruled out by injuries while Jamie Pace and Terrence Scerri are serving suspensions. Captain Gilbert Agius made a lively cameo appearance in the Floriana opener but he’s unlikely to start today due to a niggling injury.

The Valletta coach said the Euro Cup is very useful for the teams preparing for the European competitions.

“From a coaching perspective, these games give you a good indication about the team’s level of fitness,” Zerafa said. “This is very important when you’re preparing for European games. I was satisfied with the physical condition of the players in the game against Floriana. I believe we’re on the right track.

“The game against Birkirkara is an opportunity to step up our level of performance ahead of our away encounter with Tre Fiori.”

Effiong, who is expected to sign his contract with Valletta today, is poised to make his debut for the Whites this evening.

Having had the chance to appreciate Effiong’s qualities at close quarters during his time as coach of Qormi, Zerafa welcomed the Nigerian’s arrival.

“It’s no secret that Alfred Effiong was one of the most sought-after strikers in the local transfer market,” Zerafa said.

“He was the best scorer in the Premier League last season. I believe this is an important acquisition for Valletta because Effiong can be a handful for any defence with his playing style.

“I’m confident that Effiong will show his true worth with Valletta because he will be playing alongside some very good players.

“The arrival of Effiong also means that the competition for places is growing and that is very important for a club like Valletta, especially after we won the league unbeaten last season.

“You have to keep the players motivated... they must know that they have to fight for a place in the team.”

The prospect of winning the Euro Cup by defeating their main rivals and defending champions will indubitably give Birkirkara added motivation but coach Patrick Curmi is not losing sight of the objectives of this tournament.

“This game is like a final but we have said from the outset that our aim in this competition is to evaluate the potential of our squad and identify areas that need strengthening, not only ahead of our participation in the Europa League but also in preparation for the championship,” Curmi said.

“We have already signed some new players, like Jorge Mora, Leighton Grech and Terence Vella, and we’re also in discussions with other targets. We’re also looking at some foreign players.”

Brazilian duo Antonio Carlos Gomes and David Da Silva are expected to play a part in today’s match after both signed a short-term contract with Birkirkara.

Latvian defender Marcis Savinovs has already made his first appearance for the Stripes after replacing English trialist Matt Clarke, formerly of Hibs, towards the end of Monday’s game.

Curmi is optimistic that Birkirkara, who have been drawn against Albanian team KS Vllaznia in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, can cause trouble to Valletta on the back of their display against Floriana.

“The final will be a competitive match,” Curmi reflected. “Our performance against Floriana was good and I was satisfied with the efforts of my players, especially in the first half. We were unlucky not to win.

“The Floriana game was quite combative. Although it’s still early in the season, Birkirkara vs Valletta always creates significant interest and I expect this game to attract a good crowd to the Hibs Stadium.”

Last 10 winners

2010: Sliema Wanderers
2009: Hibernians
2008: Birkirkara
2007: Hibernians
2006: Hibernians
2005: Sliema Wanderers
2004: Sliema Wanderers
2003: Birkirkara
2002: Sliema Wanderers
2001: Sliema Wanderers