Valletta have long been playing catch-up with Birkirkara in the title race but, for the first time in three weeks, the Citizens have the chance to turn a modicum of pressure on the leaders.

Victories over Sliema Wanderers and Qormi had temporarily extended Birkirkara's advantage at the top to seven points before Valletta twice cut the gap back to four by winning their games against Tarxien Rainbows and Hibernians.

This evening, Valletta will move to within a point of the Stripes if they overcome Sliema (kick-off 7.30) in the curtain-raiser to this weekend's five-match programme.

Sitting on a four-point cushion with only three matches to go, Birkirkara remain the hot favourites to claim the Premier League crown but Valletta are determined to keep up their challenge.

Gilbert Agius, the Valletta captain who is poised to make his 400th league appearance in a City shirt today, concurs with the view that victory over Sliema could increase the pressure on Birkirkara before the latter's game against Hibs on Sunday.

"The scenario is slightly different to what we faced in the past few weeks," Agius told The Times. "Before each of our last two games, Birkirkara were seven points in front of us but because we're now going to play before them, we have a chance to narrow the deficit to one point. A win against Sliema could put Birkirkara under renewed pressure."

A clash with Sliema will not evoke happy memories for the Citizens as it was the Blues who put the first serious dent in their title hopes after beating them 2-1 in the first round of the Championship Pool.

Indeed, Valletta have a very poor record against Sliema this season as they have lost three and won only one of their previous four meetings.

"Sliema are the team that took most points against us this season," Agius said. "They have beaten us three times this season (first defeat came in the pre-season Euro Challenge Cup).

"This promises to be another delicate match but with the potential we've got, I always fancy Valletta to win. However, we must be 100 per cent focused and committed to reach our objective."

Having ceded the initiative in the title race after their 1-0 loss to Birkirkara, Valletta now find themselves needing a helping hand from other teams to keep their hopes alive until their final-day encounter with the Stripes.

Asked if the Valletta players remain upbeat about their title prospects, Agius said: "We know that we have to win our games to keep our chances alive. We're only concentrating on our matches."

Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, has no selection problems with midfielder Jamie Pace and Edmond Agius back in the frame after serving a one-match suspension. Not so can be said of Sliema Wanderers coach Mark Marlow who must make do without four regular players as Alex Muscat, Clayton Failla, Ryan Fenech and Mark Scerri are suspended.

Although Sliema are out of contention for the title, they are still expected to offer Valletta a stern challenge in order to strengthen their chances of finishing third. The Blues are currently level with Qormi on 27 points.

"This match is important for us because victory would enhance our prospects of opening a gap over Qormi before the direct clash," Ivan Woods, the Sliema captain, said.

"Winning three points against Valletta would be a bonus."

Sliema can take heart from their positive record against Valletta this season but Woods warned that past matches count for nothing.

"Every game is different," Woods said. "You can't take indicators from past encounters."

Up to a few weeks ago, Sliema were seen as having an outside chance for the title and also had high hopes of making a successful defence of the FA Trophy they won last season but three defeats in the space of 12 days shattered their silverware hopes.

Last Thursday, Sliema raised their flailing morale after a 2-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows revived their challenge for third place.

"It was very important for us to win the last match," Woods said. "Before that disastrous period when we let in 12 goals in three successive defeats, we were a team in ascendancy but our season was decided in one week.

"But, we must look forward. The win over Tarxien kept us in the running for third place. Finishing third will be of no consolation for the Sliema players but it's important for the club to be in the top three."

Results so far: Sliema vs Valletta 0-1, 3-1, 2-1.

Programme (National Stadium)

Today: 7.30 p.m. Valletta vs Sliema.
Tomorrow: 3 p.m. Floriana vs Dingli; 5 p.m. Tarxien vs Qormi.
Sunday: 3 p.m. Ħamrun vs Msida; 5 p.m. Hibs vs Birkirkara.