Valletta and Hibs, both on maximum points after five games, will be out to land the first blow in what promises to be a tight race for the title when the two rivals go head to head for the first time in the 2012/13 championship tomorrow at the National Stadium (kick-off 17.00).

Although these are still early days, there are high expectations that this clash between the two heavyweights will unfold into an absorbing encounter.

No doubt, the strong rivalry adds an extra edge to this fixture, moreso after Valletta lured Mark Miller, the former Hibs coach, to their fold in summer.

Miller, who won the league in the first season of his four-year spell at Paola, is braced for a tough match.

“Hibs play attacking football,” Miller told The Times.

“They have key players and we have to be very careful not to let them free. We’re concentrating on the details.

“This game is the first real challenge for our team. It’s a good test to see where we are. This is a big week for us as we’re playing Hibs and Birkirkara. I prefer tough games. You never know your level until you meet the top sides.”

Miller is sure to be without two players as Brazilian defender Ricardo and left-back Ian Azzopardi are ruled out by injuries.

Michael Mifsud, scorer of six goals in Valletta’s 8-2 annihiliation of Ħamrun Spartans, is recovering from a cold while Roderick Briffa has a minor knee problem.

Much has been made of the fact that Hibs are hindered by the absence of two key players, goalkeeper Mario Muscat and Brazilian striker Marcelo Dias, both suspended, but Miller was having none of that.

“The have five or six overseas players and two other locals of foreign origin. They’ve certainly built a strong squad,” Miller said.

“Hibs have got two players missing and the same for us... Ricardo has probably been the best centre-half in the Premier League this season and Ian Azzopardi is a strong first-teamer.”

Valletta’s free-scoring mood was a timely tonic ahead of this match.

“Confidence is good,” Miller said.

“We had three games in eight days last week. It’s been a tough patch and the players had a day off on Thursday so they will be fit and fresh for the next game.”

Further evidence, if any were needed, of Hibs’ ambition this season was provided this week with the news that they have re-signed Nigerian-born forward Udo Nwoko who, along with John Nwoba, is considered as home-grown.

Also, Belgian defender Jason Lee Vandelannoite could return to the squad as his 28-day suspension, imposed by club, expired last week.

Like his Valletta counterpart, Michael Woods, the Hibs coach, regards this clash as an important test for his side.

He said: “This match will show us where we are, really.

“So far, we had to deal with injuries and suspensions but the team stayed on the winning track.

“The players showed great character in the Balzan game and I hope they will do the same against Valletta because they are a very strong team.”

Woods is confident that Hibs can overcome the absence of Muscat and Dias.

“They are two key players for us but in the last few games, we had others missing and the side remained balanced,” Woods said.

Hibernians must also do without U-21 striker Jean Paul Farrugia who picked up an ankle injury in last weekend’s 3-2 win over Balzan.

Woods is hoping that the match will live up to expectations.

“We beat Valletta in the Euro Cup (1-0 ) and they beat us in the Super Cup (3-1),” Woods said.

“Hibs are the only team to have beaten Valletta in the league in the past two seasons. There’s rivalry between the two clubs but that’s a healthy sign. What we don’t want to see is trouble at the stadium.”

Meanwhile, the Paolites will also have been delighted to learn that wing-back Clayton Failla will be able to resume his season on November 20 after being handed a four-month suspension by the National Anti-Doping Commissioner.

Failla had tested positive for ephedrine after the Euro Cup match between Hibs and Valletta on June 25.

Other matches

Rabat vs Sliema Wanderers (today 15.00, National Stadium).

High on confidence after their 3-1 defeat of Birkirkara, Sliema start favourites to extend their positive run when they meet lowly Rabat.

The Blues will be without Beppe Muscat, suspended.

Rabat coach Silvio Vella is concerned about the fitness of midfielder Heiner Backhaus, who has a calf injury. Defender Patrick Borg starts a three-match ban.

On the plus side, Nerijus Astrauskas returns from a two-match suspension.

This match will be officiated by Richard Harrington as the MFA referees’ exchange programme continues this week with another joint venture with the Welsh FA.

Mosta vs Floriana (today 17.00, National Stadium).

Mosta are flying high lately after three wins in a row while Floriana bounced back from their upset to Birkirkara with a straightforward 3-0 win over Rabat last weekend.

Mosta winger Daniel Bogdanovic is sidelined with a fractured foot. Alex Cini is also out injured for the Blues whose coach Steve D’Amato is expected to name the same team that started the 4-2 win over Qormi.

Alan Lewer, the Floriana assistant coach, must make two changes as defender Aaron Brown and midfielder Clyde Borg are both suspended. Brooke Farrugia is still recovering from injury and defender Tyrone Farrugia is doubtful.

Tarxien vs Birkirkara (tomorrow 15.00, National Stadium).

Birkirkara will be looking to make amends after the unexpected defeat to Sliema but they have a tricky assignment on their hands as Tarxien are coming from back-to-back wins.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is certain to be without midfielder Ryan Scicluna who is still recovering from minor foot surgery but all the other players are available for selection.

Tarxien coach Clive Mizzi, who has led the Rainbows to a draw and two wins since succeeding Danilo Doncic, has no injury concerns.

The referee here will be Bryn Markham-Jones, of the Welsh FA.