Valletta may have one hand on the Premier League trophy but coach Jesmond Zerafa is refusing to countenance talk that his team are virtually home and dry.
Six points clear at the top with only three matches left, Valletta could be crowned champions this weekend if Hibs, their nearest pursuers, fail to beat Birkirkara today and the Citizens win their match against Sliema tomorrow (kick-off 17.00).
Yet, Zerafa has been in the game long enough to know that “things can change quickly in football” as a slip-up by his team this weekend would re-open the title issue.
“It’s not positive when people say that Valletta have already won the league,” Zerafa said.
“We are the favourites, that’s true, but we’re not there yet. The next three fixtures are the most difficult. We will do our utmost to gain the four points we need to win the title.
“Everyone is aware of the im-portance of the coming games. It’s all about ensuring that the players remain focused and motivated at this crucial stage of the season... we can’t let go now just because we’re on top.
“If we pay too much attention to what the man in the street is saying, we could easily lose our con-centration.”
Confidence is sky-high in the City clan after their 2-0 win over Bir-kirkara extended their unbeaten streak in the league to 24 games.
After cruising to the league title last season without conceding one defeat, Zerafa believes that his players deserve credit for their amazing consistency.
“I’ve always had great faith in my players,” Zerafa said.
“I’ve said it on many occasions that, in difficult moments, they always rise to the challenge.
“Consistency is crucial to win the league. I’m lucky to coach this group of players because the consistency they have shown in the last seasons has been incredible but it’s important that we keep it going because in football, anything is possible.”
Zerafa has injury concerns about defenders Ian Azzopardi and Steve Borg who picked up knocks in the Birkirkara game.
Sliema are one of only three teams who have managed to hold Valletta this season as their first two league meetings ended in a draw.
But, the Blues have little to play for in their remaining three matches as they are virtually out of the running for a top-four finish.
Coach Danilo Doncic is today expected to assess the condition of a number of players who are rated as doubtful, namely goalkeeper Henry Bonello, Andrew Decesare and Cleaven Frendo. Bulgarian defender Rumen Galabov is out with a pulled hamstring.
Results so far: Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers 1-1, 0-0, 2-0.
Other matches
Qormi vs Ħamrun Spartans (today at 15.00, National Stadium).
Rivals Qormi and Ħamrun Spartans, the leading duo in the Relegation Pool, will be fired up to get a good result in their final derby in the league in order to banish their relegation fears.
Nine points clear of the drop zone, Qormi only need a point to ensure survival while Ħamrun require a win to achieve their aim.
“Everyone is assuming that we are out of danger but if we fail to take something from this match, things could become complicated,” Step-hen Azzopardi, the Qormi coach, said.
Azzopardi is hopeful that Jonathan Bondin will make his comeback after being sidelined with an abdomen injury.
Ħamrun coach Stefan Sultana said: “Our priority is to make sure of our Premier League status as early as possible. This game is a derby and the players are aware of its importance.”
Scottish forward Dene Shields is still injured for the Spartans while Massimo Grima is struggling to shake off a knock.
Results so far: Qormi vs Ħamrun 3-2, 3-0, 0-1.
Birkirkara vs Hibs (today at 17.00, National Stadium).
Hibs will be aiming to keep up the pressure on Valletta by beating Birkirkara and close the gap on the leaders to three points before the Whites meet Sliema tomorrow.
As for Birkirkara, they will be looking to bounce back after suffering back-to-back defeats.
Hibs winger Steve Pisani is out with a muscle tear and Jonathan Pearson is doubtful with a knee problem.
Birkirkara defender Rodrigo Pereira will serve the first of a two-match ban while Jorge is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Paul Fenech is doubtful after picking up an injury during training with the national squad and Shola Shodiya Haruna and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza have both been unwell this week.
Results so far: Birkirkara vs Hibs 0-3, 0-5, 1-0.
Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba (tomorrow at 15.00, National Stadium).
Second-bottom Mqabba must beat the already-doomed Marsa-xlokk to keep their survival hopes alive.
Mqabba’s second-half reaction in their 2-2 draw with Mosta will have lifted their morale following their 5-0 humiliation to Tarxien.
Coach Clive Mizzi has no selection problems for tomorrow’s game.
Marsaxlokk will be without captain Trevor Templeman and Clive Brincat, both suspended.
Results so far: Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba 0-2, 0-1, 0-3.