The race to secure pole position before the second phase of the Premier League is fast developing into a two-way fight between Valletta and Hibernians.
Last week, the Citizens touched the summit of the Premier League for the first time this season after their 2-0 defeat of Hibs but the latter reclaimed top spot on Sunday after a tight 1-0 victory over Ħamrun Spartans.
Two points separate Hibs and Valletta, who have a game in hand, but the former will be looking to augment the pressure on the champions by taking three points from their tricky clash with Sliema Wanderers this afternoon at the National Stadium (kick-off 4 p.m.).
With Valletta not due to play before tomorrow, Hibs can go five points clear at the top with a victory over Sliema. Going by their positions in the table, Hibs will be regarded as favourites to win but Sliema will have other ideas.
Although the Wanderers have been deliberately downplaying their chances of challenging for the title, they have high hopes of claiming a top-three finish and a victory over Hibs would go some way towards underlining their intentions.
Winger Clayton Failla expects Sliema to be tough clients but insists Hibs can't afford to lose.
"All games are important and we all know that Sliema are no easy opponents," Failla told The Times.
"It will be another tough test but we must take maximum points from this match as failure to do so would open the way for Valletta to increase their advantage at the top.
"On the other hand, victory would take us five points clear before their match against Tarxien."
Failla regards Sliema as potential candidates for the title despite the Wanderers' claims to the contrary.
"I still consider Sliema as challengers for the title," the Malta international said.
"They had a few bad results lately but they still have a valid squad."
Fears that the 2-0 upset to Valletta might dent Hibs' erstwhile high morale were dismissed last weekend as Andrew Cohen struck late to give his side a 1-0 victory over Ħamrun.
"The only way for us to atone for the upset to Valletta was to win the next match," Failla said.
"Ħamrun were coming from two successive wins but we still reached our objective."
Hibs' chances of avenging their 3-2 defeat to Sliema in the first round are boosted by the return from suspension of striker Terrence Scerri and midfielder Christian Callejas, although the latter has been struggling with an injury .
Coach Mark Miller will have to modify his midfield today as Rumen Galabov, mostly deployed in front of defence this season, is out after receiving a one-match ban.
Coming from a dismal season in which they suffered the embarrassment of playing in the Relegation Pool, Hibs' convincing start to the 2008-09 league trek has come as a surprise to many.
Sliema defender Ian Azzopardi has been taken aback by Hibs' march but he expected them to improve with Mark Miller in charge.
"To a certain extent, I'm surprised that Hibs have been so consistent but at the same time, I knew that they had the potential to do well," Azzopardi said.
"Hibs don't have a big squad but they've got a number of high-quality, key players. The appointment of Miller as coach was also bound to leave a positive effect. I worked with Miller at Floriana and Malta U-21 and I know his capabilities."
Turning his focus on Sliema, Azzopardi is confident that the Blues can cut a good figure this season.
"We had two really disappointing results against Ħamrun and Floriana but we continued to work hard in training," Azzopardi said.
"Our aim this season is to finish in the top three and qualify for the UEFA Cup. The FA Trophy is also a target for us but the league is top priority at present.
"Now we need to embark on a positive run to stay in the top part of the table.
"With points to be halved at the end of the second round, we might even find ourselves with an outside chance for the title. If that happens, we will surely try to sustain our challenge till the very end."
With Roderick Briffa sealing his much-publicised move to Valletta yesterday, Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi must make at least one change from the team he fielded for the Marsaxlokk game.
Midfielder Roderick Bajada and defender Branko Nisevic return for Sliema after serving a one-match ban.
First round - Sliema W. vs Hibernians 3-2.