After a marathon campaign, it all boils down to one game.

It promises to be an unforgettable occasion as Birkirkara and Hibernians go head to head in a winner-takes-all title decider in front of a large crowd at the National Stadium this evening at 6.

A slow-burning season has conjured up an unexpectedly nerve-jangling climax after Birkir-kara and Hibs finished level at the top on 45 points.

One has to go back 41 years, to season 1971-72, to come across a similar scenario when Sliema Wanderers defeated Old Firm rivals Floriana 2-0 in a title decider.

It’s now the turn of two other Premier League heavyweights to fight it out for the ultimate prize in Maltese football and, if their last clash is anything to go by, a high-octane duel is on the cards.

There is inevitably pressure on both contestants but the vibes from Birkirkara and Hibs throughout the week have been positive with both coaches extolling the virtues that propelled their teams to the brink of title glory.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, has paid tribute to the resilience of his players in overcoming “several hurdles” throughout the season while Michael Woods, the Hibs mentor, praised his team’s consistency.

“I can’t but stress the positive march of our team throughout the championship,” Zammit told Times of Malta.

“We’ve learned a lot and grown stronger and this is why we’ve come this far. We’ve cleared several hurdles.

“You can’t look back on our campaign and not be optimistic.

“That said, this is a decider and episodes can change games. The most important thing is that we are prepared in every aspect, tactically, technically and psychologically.”

Woods echoed Zammit’s sentiments.

“My optimism stems from the games we’ve played... we’ve been consistent in our performances and results,” the Hibs coach remarked.

“The team spirit is great and the atmosphere has been very good since the start of the season.”

There are similarities between the two teams in terms of the pedigree of their key personnel, both local and foreign.

In goalkeeper Justin Haber, wing-back Edward Herrera and midfielders Gareth Sciberras and Paul Fenech, Birkirkara have four established Malta internationals.

The same goes for the Paolites who can rely on veteran goalkeeper Mario Muscat, capped 68 times by Malta, right-back Ryan Camilleri, winger Clayton Failla, winner of the MFA Footballer of the Year award last season, and the inspirational Andrew Cohen.

The situation is virtually the same as far as the foreigners are concerned as both teams boast a mix of strong players at the back and mercurial elements in midfield and attack.

Tactically, Birkirkara and Hibs have also favoured a three-man defence in most of their Championship Pool games but it wouldn’t come as a shock if one or both coaches were to bank on the element of surprise by tweaking their gameplan.

“The two teams have the same tactical system,” Woods said.

“That makes it more difficult to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition.”

Although Birkirkara have shown their best after switching to 3-5-2, Zammit insisted that his team can be flexible.

“We’ve been working in training to improve our tactical versatility,” the Birkirkara coach said.

“Every tactical strategy has its strengths and weaknesses and it’s always possible to identify weaknesses in the opposing team. Sometimes it becomes like a chess game.”

With Hibs particularly strong in midfield and attack, it’s no surprise that Woods regards those as key areas.

“The midfield is a very impor-tant sector,” Woods said.

“I also hope that our forwards are at the top of their game as they could make a difference.”

While agreeing that the two teams are matched, Zammit also sees differences between the two.

“I believe that the qualities of the two teams, talent-wise, are similar but their game is different,” Zammit said.

“Hibs can be lethal in attack while we’ve shown that we are compact in defence and midfield.

“Maybe, because both teams will try to contain each other, there will be a lot of midfield action but we will surely do our homework on how to break through the opposing lines.”

With Joseph Zerafa out due to suspension, Zammit must make at least one change from the team that started the 1-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows.

Malta U-21 winger Ryan Camenzuli seems the obvious replacement for Zerafa with Zach Muscat the other likely contender should Zammit decide to switch Herrera to the left.

As Brazilian winger Marcelo Dias’s chances of recovering from a hamstring problem are slim, Woods is expected to restore Jackson Lima, scorer of Hibs’ winner in their last match against Valletta, to the starting XI.

Camilleri and Jean Paul Far-rugia are expected to be declared fit to start as both have made rapid progress in their recovery from minor injuries.

Previous results: Birkirkara vs Hibs 1-0, 0-0, 1-0, 1-1.

Key Duels

Mario Muscat (36yrs) vs Justin Haber (31yrs)

• Two experienced goalkeepers who can play a crucial role in today’s title decider. Justin Haber has made a towering impact on Birkirkara since joining them from Mosta in January.

Considered as the most consistent goalkeeper in the top flight this season, Haber has been a reassuring presence in Birkirkara’s goal with his safe handling and fearless approach.

Age might have diminished Muscat’s agility but he’s still an excellent shot-stopper and leader who thrives in big games.

Gareth Sciberras (30yrs) vs Andrew Cohen (31yrs)

• Two leading players with different attributes but their midfield duel could have a bearing on the outcome of this showdown.

Gareth Sciberras, the Birkirkara captain, is an inspirational, hard-working midfielder who disrupts many opposing attacks and rarely gives away possession.

One of his tasks today will be to curtail the influence of Andrew Cohen, Hibs’ creative player who, at his best, can be unstoppable.

Clayton Failla (27yrs) vs Edward Herrera (26yrs)

• A mouthwatering showdown between two of the most in-form players who have been at the forefront of their teams’ title challenge.

Both are renowned for their speed and athleticism. Birkirkara’s Edward Herrera and Clayton Failla could find themselves facing each other on the same flank and their duel could define today’s game.

Herrera is probably the faster of the two but, apart from his forceful runs, Failla is also a set-piece specialist.