A tense do-or-die battle is developing at the lower end of the Premier League table as the struggling teams will be involved in some crucial matches in the coming days to determine who will avoid the dreaded Relegation Pool.
Qormi, Ħamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows already have their fate sealed and, if nothing out of the ordinary happens outside the field of play, they cannot figure in the Championship Pool for sure.
The other spot is likely to be filled by either Marsaxlokk or Msida St Joseph with Sliema Wanderers and Floriana requiring another point to make sure of top-six status.
The worst scenario for the Old Firm duo could be a play-off with Marsaxlokk.
At present, sixth-placed Msida are enjoying a five-point advantage over nearest pursuers Marsaxlokk. Both have two matches to go until the end of the second round. Msida are currently one point behind Sliema and Floriana. The latter were home and dry last month but forfeited three priceless points to Qormi on the table.
Ħamrun and Qormi clash in next Friday's opening match at the National Stadium as Floriana face a tall order to chalk up the point required from another hot derby against Valletta.
On Sunday, Sliema and Msida face each other in the opening match at the Hibs Ground.
Tarxien play leaders Hibernians in the second fixture at the stadium in Corradino.
On Monday, Marsaxlokk will have to beat in-form Birkirkara to keep alive their Championship Pool hopes.
Failure to do so, will condemn the 2007 champions to the Relegation Pool.
Msida St Joseph (21 pts)
Remaining matches
22.02.09 vs Sliema Wanderers
28.02.09 vs Marsaxlokk
Joe Abdilla (coach): "The successive upsets to Valletta and Ħamrun inevitably increased the pressure on our team. Theoretically, we need a win from our remaining two matches, even though we could well do with a draw against Marsaxlokk.
"The loss of Pedro Calcado was a big blow. But, we still have enough talent to get the points we need. I think our problem is more psychological than tactical.
"The players have to start believing in themselves again and hopefully the fans will be behind us to achieve our pre-season target."
Marsaxlokk (16 pts)
Remaining matches
23.02.09 vs Birkirkara
28.02.09 vs Msida St Joseph
Patrick Curmi (coach): "Compared to three or four weeks ago, things are looking brighter for us. Two wins from our last three matches helped us bridge the gap with Msida from 11 points to five.
"It's still out of our hands though. However, I believe that if it comes to the final match then we have a good chance of qualifying to the Championship Pool.
"But, even if we miss out on the top six I am still positive on our chances to survive. The team is doing OK at the moment. So, we must win six points from our next two matches to start the second phase on a sound footing."
Qormi (14 pts)
Remaining matches
20.02.09 vs Ħamrun
01.03.09 vs Sliema Wanderers
Jesmond Zerafa (coach): "I'm very pleased with the way the team is performing at the moment. With a bit more luck we could have easily beaten Valletta on Monday.
"Now, we have to maintain the same kind of determination for our next match against Ħamrun.
"The Relegation Pool is set to be a very close affair. All teams look to be of the same level. Consistency is the name of the game now. On the plus side is the recovery of striker Alfred Effiong. He will give our team a different dimension.
"I'm confident Qormi will stay in the Premier League."
Ħamrun Spartans (14 pts)
Remaining matches
20.02.09 vs Qormi
02.03.09 vs Valletta
Steve D'Amato (coach): "Our main weapon in the Relegation Pool will be a never-say-die attitude. These players have shown time and again that they keep fighting for their cause till the end.
"There were several matches we managed to turn in our favour when everything seemed lost.
"Our rivals are very strong, no doubt, but what encourages me most is that the team is playing some excellent attacking football on a consistent basis.
"In our last two matches, against Birkirkara and Msida, we created lots of scoring chances but we need to be more accurate in front of goal.
"The second phase will be exciting... so much will be at stake."
Tarxien Rainbows (11 pts)
Remaining matches
22.02.09 vs Hibernians
01.03.09 vs Floriana
Noel Coleiro (coach): "We played good football lately but for some reason we fail to pick up the points on a consistent basis. The most encouraging factor, however, is the spirit of the players. Most critics were saying we were down and out a few months ago but the players responded in the right manner by winning two key matches to get back in contention.
"We have two other matches to go now but I don't think there will be big differences between the teams in the drop zone.
"Our three new signings, Everson de Lima, Denni Dos Santos and David Camilleri have given the team more stability and hopefully we can produce our best form when it matters most."