Securing the Premier League title with three games to spare alleviated the pressure on Valletta but Ryan Fenech has warned that the newly-crowned champions have no intention of letting up in their remaining fixtures.

Valletta go into this evening’s clash with outgoing champions Birkirkara at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.) safe in the knowledge that nothing untoward could spoil their title bid after their 1-0 win over Marsaxlokk gave the Citizens an unassailable 12-point lead at the top.

By contrast, Birkirkara face the herculean task of inflicting the first defeat on Valletta this season to stay hot on Floriana’s heels in the race for second place and automatic quali-fication to the Europa League.

The Stripes must be privately hoping that Valletta will not show the same hunger to win as in their preceding meetings now that they have attained their championship objective but Fenech insisted that the Whites are determined to keep their invincible tag until the end of the season.

“Our preparations for this game have been normal,” Fenech said.

“The atmosphere is more relaxed now that we’ve made sure of winning the title but we’ve set ourselves a new target... we want to finish the season unbeaten.

“To achieve this, we must remain concentrated. We’re only three games away from the end of the season.

“Our opponents in the next two games, Birkirkara and Floriana, are both fighting for second place. The pressure is on them to win, so they can’t sit back and defend because they need the points.”

Valletta were clear of the field and firmly on course to win the title when Fenech joined them from Ħamrun in the last week of January.

Despite stern competition for first-team places at Valletta, especially in midfield, Fenech, who turned 25 on Wednesday, needed only a few games to convince coach Jesmond Zerafa that he was worthy of a regular berth in the star-studded City team.

Fenech may have only been at Valletta for three months but he has made a rich contribution to their title success.

“I’m happy that we’ve won the title,” Fenech said.

“This is also my first league championship. Collectiveness and unity are two key factors behind our success this season.”

Leaving Ħamrun Spartans was not an easy decision for Fenech.

Widely acclaimed as one of the most talented players to come out of the Spartans’ nursery in the last two decades, Fenech was pro-moted to captain this season while his brother Roderick is also a key member of the Ħamrun team.

However, Fenech’s desire to play for a club that is at the forefront of the battle for the major honours was central to his decision to accept Valletta’s offer after the latter had agreed terms with Ħamrun over his transfer.

“My one and only objective was to be with a team that has the ambition and resources to challenge for honours,” Fenech said.

“That was the reason I left Ħamrun for Valletta.”

The Citizens’ title triumph has gone a long way towards vindi-cating Fenech’s decision. The gifted midfielder is eyeing more success this season as Valletta are vying to complete a treble of Super Cup, league and FA Trophy.

“There’s great optimism that we can win all competitions this season,” Fenech commented.

“We have no reason not to be confident about our chances after our performances in the league.

“We will not rest on our laurels and we’re looking forward to the remaining league games and the Trophy semi-final.

“Personally, I would love to win the FA Trophy for the first time in my career.”

Since stepping into the limelight as a young midfielder for Ħamrun, Fenech has earned a reputation as one of the top Maltese players but there seems to be a consensus that his move to Valletta has coaxed the best out of him.

Fenech has yet to make his breakthrough for the national team but his showings in the last three months will not have escaped the attention of Malta coach John Buttigieg.

“I believe it helps,” Fenech replied when asked if he felt that playing for a strong side has im-proved his chances of tasting regular football for the national team.

“It’s easier to show your potential when you’re playing with very good players. I’ve always done my best to seize the chance whenever I played for national team. I know it’s nicer when you’re in the starting line-up and that’s another target for me.”

Fenech admitted he had to step up his game to make sure he lived up to the high expectations at Valletta.

“Joining a new team was also a new challenge for me,” Fenech said. “I wanted to see if I was capable of rising to the occasion at Valletta. But, with the quality of the players in our squad, it’s easier to do well and get noticed.”

Hailed by Valletta president Victor Sciriha as his best signing to date, Fenech has scored three goals for his new team and produced countless goal assists, including the one that set up Roderick Briffa for the decisive goal against Marsa-xlokk.

Valletta’s confirmation as the new champions of Malta sparked wild celebrations among the City supporters who gave their team a rapturous reception during an open-top bus parade along Republic Street yesterday week.

Fenech has already seen enough to predict a memorable title party come May 7.

“I expected to see a large crowd in Valletta after the Marsaxlokk game but the enthusiasm of the people was unbelievable.

“After going two years without winning the league, the Valletta fans were ecstatic.

“The atmosphere was incre-dible... I can only imagine how the celebrations will be like on May 7. I’m really looking forward to that date.”

Team changes

Meanwhile, Jesmond Zerafa and Paul Zammit, the coaches of Valletta and Birkirkara respectively, have no option but to make changes to their teams from the last games.

Zerafa has two key defenders missing in left-back Ian Azzopardi and Brazilian centre-half Ramon, both ruled out by suspension.

Midfielder Paul Fenech is out of the equation for Birkirkara after being handed a two-match ban in midweek.

Fenech received a one-match suspension for his red card in the 2-2 draw with Ħamrun and an additional one-match ban after he collected his fourth yellow card during the same game.

Shaun Bajada is highly doubtful as he’s still struggling with an ankle injury.

Scottish goalkeeper Michael Fraser is entering the final phase of his rehabilitation from a cartilage operation but he won’t be in the squad today.

Birkirkara are under pressure to win this evening’s encounter as they trail second-placed Floriana by five points after the latter’s 2-0 defeat of Ħamrun on Saturday.

Results this season: Valletta vs Birkirkara 2-2, 3-1, 1-0.