Amid rising expectations of an enthralling title race, champions Valletta will be gunning to get their Championship Pool commitments off to a winning start when they meet Mosta this afternoon.

Level-pegging with Hibs on 23 points, Valletta will fancy their chances of overcoming a Mosta side with only one win in their last five matches but the Blues’ decision to change coach has been viewed as a sign of their determination to rekindle their European challenge.

The onus of reviving Mosta’s fortunes has fallen on Danilo Doncic who has taken over from Steve D’Amato.

Doncic, who has been idle since his exit from Tarxien Rainbows in the early weeks of the season, knows that taking over a team at this stage of the season is not the ideal scenario but he’s relishing the challenge.

“Mosta have big potential,” Doncic told The Times.

“They’ve got great facilities and there’s some talented players coming through the nursery.

“It’s the ambition of the club to challenge for a place in Europe and this is the main reason I’ve accepted their offer.

“It’s difficult when you start to coach a team towards the end of the season. It’s not the same for the other two teams that are fighting for European qualification (Sliema and Tarxien) as their coaches have been there since the start of the season but I will do my best to ensure that Mosta are competitive.”

For the third time in his coaching career, Doncic will face Valletta in his first official match in charge of a new team after going through the same experience with Floriana and Tarxien.

“It’s going to be a very tough game for us,” Doncic said. “A good result against Valletta would be a huge boost. We have nothing to lose as they are the favourites.”

Captain Bryan Agius is suspended for Mosta while fellow left-back Steve Bezzina is still recovering from a knee problem. Tyrone Farrugia and Alex Cini are doubtful.

Valletta coach Mark Miller acknowledged that his team have little margin for error now that the season has entered the home straight.

“We have 10 big games and we’ve also got the Trophy,” he said.

“We know we have to perform. There can be no slip-ups, no mistakes. If we win the next 10 games, we will be champions so we will set out to win every match.”

Defender Steve Borg is still sidelined but Jason Vandelannoite and Daniel Bogdanovic are set to be in the squad as they are close to completing recovery from injuries.

Although Valletta are playing the bottom team in the top-six cohort, Miller expects a stiff challenge, moreso as Mosta will be determined to impress their new coach.

“It could work both ways,” Miller said of the effect the appointment of Doncic could have.

“A new coach will try to motivate the players but looking at the situation realistically, have Mosta got a chance to be in Europe?

“It’s hard for them but if they win this game, they will be back in it. They will want to make it difficult and do well against us.”

Previous results: Valletta vs Mosta 3-1, 0-1.

The other matches

Hibs vs Tarxien Rainbows (today 2pm, National Stadium).

Title hopefuls Hibs meet neighbouring rivals Tarxien less than 14 days after the two teams battled out a 0-0 draw.

A win for Hibs would send them three points clear of Valletta before the latter meet Mosta while Tarxien are eyeing the three points to boost their European bid.

Defender Rodolfo Soares is back in the frame for Hibs but Serbian Zoran Levnaic is out with hamstring trouble.

Hibs coach Michael Woods is expected to have Allan Kardeck in the squad after the Brazilian was recalled by the Paolites following the departure of Obinna Obiefule.

Tarxien coach Clive Mizzi must cope without defender Branislav Timotic who has a muscle problem. Orosco Anonam is set to return after recovering from injury.

Previous results: Hibs vs Tarxien 2-2, 0-0.

Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara (tomorrow 2pm, Hibs Stadium).

Birkirkara start their top-six campaign with a tricky test against Sliema Wanderers.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is plagued by the absences of goalkeeper Justin Haber and midfielder Ryan Scicluna, both suspended.

On the plus side, Paul Fenech and Joseph Zerafa are available after serving their one-match ban in the 3-0 defeat of Ħamrun.

Winger John Mintoff is out of the equation for Sliema due to suspension while goalkeeper Henry Bonello underwent surgery last week.

Coach Alfonso Greco also has concerns over the fitness of striker Ian Zammit.

Previous results: Sliema vs Birkirkara 3-1, 0-0.

Balzan vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow 4pm, Hibs Stadium).

Ħamrun will have been boosted by the news that Balzan’s Brazilian duo Pedrinho and Elton are unlikely to play tomorrow after returning to their home country.

Balzan are further weakened by the absence through suspension of Jonathan Francica, Yessous Camilleri and Renato Conceicao while Ryan Darmanin and Jacob Borg were unwell and skipped training this week.

Midfielder Jamie Pace, another flu victim, is struggling with an ankle injury.

The beleaguered Spartans will be without Massimo Grima, suspended, and Daniel Zerafa who is out with a back problem.

Coach Stefan Sultana hopes to get the all-clear to play veteran David Camilleri who has been struggling with a minor injury.

Previous results: Balzan vs Ħamrun 2-2, 3-2.