The stage is set for the last chapter of the 2007/08 season when this evening Birkirkara take on Ħamrun Spartans in the U*Bet FA Trophy final at the National Stadium (kick-off: 6.30 p.m.).

Both teams booked their place in today's showdown after impressive victories in the previous round.

On Tuesday, the Stripes ascertained themselves of a place in next season's UEFA Cup when they stunned champions Valletta 4-2 to end the latter's dreams of a double. A day earlier, a three-goal first-half blitz spurred the Spartans to a 4-2 win over Floriana.

Many are seeing Birkirkara as favourites, their conviction strengthened by the fact that the Stripes emerged victorious in their last three appearances in the final.

They won in 2002 (vs Sliema 1-0), 2003 (vs Sliema 1-0) and 2005 (vs Msida 2-1).

Ħamrun's last appearance in the final was in 1994-95 when they lost to Valletta 1-0 after extra-time.

Looking at this season's meetings involving the two finalists, Birkirkara clearly hold the edge over the Spartans. The opening clash in the Premier League ended 2-2, but Birkirkara then went on to win the next three clashes in convincing fashion - 5-0, 4-0 and 2-0.

Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg is giving little importance to the previous results, however, as cup finals are decided over one match with the better team on the day set to prevail.

"Statistics carry little importance," Buttigieg said. "Finals are won on how you perform on the day and our objective is to beat Ħamrun and win the FA Trophy.

"Our performances in recent weeks have been encouraging but we have to carry the momentum and concentrate on the job this one last time. At Birkirkara, we have several players who are playing their first Trophy final so the motivation is very high in the group. Hopefully, we will be up to the task."

The Birkirkara coach was hit by the news this week that Ron Hartvig is ruled out of the final through suspension. The lanky defender was reported by referee Joe Attard for making gestures to the fans during the semi-final. He was booked for the offence but, quite unexpectedly, he was also banned for one match.

"True, Hartvig is out. We were not expecting this to happen and it's difficult to understand the referee's decision to include the incident in his report and the board suspending our player," Buttigieg said.

"Hartvig wasn't offensive in his gesture and I think it's very harsh for a player to miss the final for such a minor incident."

The Spartans are undoubtedly the surprise package of the competition. Having just returned to the top flight, they fought their way to the final after securing a berth in the Championship Pool, their priority for the season. Coach Marco Gerada is happy his team are the underdogs today.

"Birkirkara beat Valletta in the semi-finals and they're considered favourites," Gerada told The Times yesterday. "Their performances in the second half of the championship showed that they are one of the top teams in Malta.

"However, we have ambitions of our own as well. Against Floriana many were writing us out and gave us little chance to reach the final.

"But the players rose to the occasion and here we are contesting our first final in 13 years."

The Ħamrun coach, who has just extended his contract by another year, is set to bank on the same group of players that excelled in the 4-2 win over Floriana earlier this week.

Striker Stefan Sultana is close to recovering from calf trouble but Evano Briffa is out with a long-term knee injury.

For Gerada, this will be his first major final in his coaching career.

Asked whether he had similar scenarios as a player, he replied: "In 1986-87 I was involved in a decisive league match for Valletta. I remember, we played Ħamrun who were leading the championship with three matches to go. Victory for us would have meant first place in the standings. The pressure and expectations were equal to a cup final but we lost that one. Hopefully, this time the outcome will be different."

Last 10 finals
1998 Hibs vs Valletta 2-1
1999 Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-0
2000 Sliema vs Birkirkara 4-1
2001 Valletta vs Birkirkara 3-0
2002 Birkirkara vs Sliema 1-0
2003 Birkirkara vs Sliema 1-0
2004 Sliema vs Marsaxlokk 2-0
2005 Birkirkara vs Msida 2-1
2006 Hibs vs Floriana 1-0
2007 Hibs vs Sliema 1-1
(Hibs win 3-0 on penalties)

FA Trophy winners
Sliema Wanderers 19 times
Floriana 18
Valletta 11
Hibernians 8
Ħamrun Spartans 6
Birkirkara 3
Melita 1
Rabat Ajax 1
Gżira United 1
Żurrieq 1