The last-day encounter between Floriana and Birkirkara was meant to be a decider for the runners-up spot and qualification to the Europa League but the significance of this evening’s match has diminished amid reports that the race for European football has already been decided.

The two Europa League slots go to the second-placed team in the championship and the winners of the U*Bet FA Trophy but as Tarxien Rainbows, who have been drawn against champions Valletta in the semi-finals of the knock-out, are unlikely to satisfy all the criteria to obtain a UEFA licence, Floriana and Birkirkara, who meet in the second semi-final, have effectively gained a European passport.

For the fifth-placed Tarxien to qualify for the Europa League, they would have to win the FA Trophy but without a licence, they wouldn’t be eligible to take part in UEFA competitions next season, thus leaving the way clear for Floriana and Birkirkara who have already secured a top-three finish in the league.

Although the qualification issue is as good as over, the prospect of claiming the runners-up spot plus a psychological boost ahead of their eagerly-awaited FA Trophy semi-final on May 15, is likely to motivate Floriana and Birkirkara to give their all to emerge on top today.

While Birkirkara must win to finish second, a draw will suffice for Floriana to attain what would be their highest finish in the Premier League for many years as the Greens have a two-point lead over their impending opponents.

Christian Caruana is doubtful for Floriana whose coach Michael Woods is unlikely to take risks with regards to those players who are on three yellow cards. Clyde Borg and Sacha Borg are back in the reckoning after academic commitments forced them out of the 1-1 draw with Valletta.

“The game is still important for us because we want to hold on to second place,” Woods told The Times. “Floriana have not finished so high in the league for many years.

“Although it’s reassuring to know that we’re going to play in Europe next season, we are keen to end our league campaign on a high and boost our morale ahead of the Trophy semi-final.”

Birkirkara wing-backs Joseph Zerafa and Andrew Decesare are suspended but midfielder Shaun Bajada could make the squad as he has made progress in his recovery from an ankle injury.

“In planning for this match, I’m thinking about this fixture as well as the next one,” Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit, who is expected to renew his contract with the club, said.

“Incidentally, we’re going to play the same team in the FA Trophy semi-final. There’s also the element of prestige linked to this game because our aim has always been to try and finish as high up the table as possible.

“We also want to prepare well for the Trophy which would provide an enormous end-of-season boost for the club that wins it. For these reasons, we have no intention of taking this game lightly.”

Results so far: Floriana vs Birkirkara 2-0, 0-1, 5-1.

Opening match

Only pride is at stake for Ħamrun and Marsaxlokk in their last league match after both slipped out of contention for a place in the Europa League.

Steve D’Amato will be taking charge of his final match as Ħamrun coach, bringing an end to a two-and-a-half-year spell with the club.

The young coach’s team selection is expected to be a mix of youth and experience as the likes of Marcelo Pereira, Nikolai Chipev and Mark Anthony Bonnici are unavailable. Dylan Kokavessis is struggling with injury but Scottish forward Dene Shields is back in the fray.

Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi is likely to make changes to the team that lost 2-0 to Birkirkara. Carlo Mamo has been down with flu this week.

Results so far: Marsaxlokk vs Ħamrun 2-1, 3-2, 4-2.

High stakes

A high-tension clash is expected to unfold at the Tedesco Stadium this evening (7 p.m.) as Melita and Mosta will battle it out for the third and final promotion slot.

Champions Balzan Youths and Mqabba have already secured a place in the Premier League for next season but Melita and Mosta set up a decider after finishing level in third place on 32 points.

Melita, who are under the guidance of Martin Gregory, edged Mosta 3-2 in their last meeting but the Blues, who have Oliver Spiteri at the helm, had prevailed in the first-round clash by the same scoreline.

Programme

Today (National Stadium): 6 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Ħamrun Spartans; 8 p.m. Floriana vs Birkirkara.

Tomorrow (National Stadium): 4 p.m. Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows.