Eight points clear of the sole relegation spot, currently inhabited by basement team Vittoriosa Stars, Hibs and Qormi will all but accomplish their survival mission if they emerge victorious from their encounter this evening at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30).

A win today would also bring added psychological benefits for Hibs and Qormi ahead of their U*Bet FA Trophy quarter-final ties the following weekend against Valletta and Floriana respectively.

Both teams come into this match brimming with confidence after Qormi beat Vittoriosa Stars 4-1 in their last outing and Hibs edged out Sliema Wanderers 1-0 last week.

Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi is beset by a shortage of midfielders as captain Joseph Farrugia and Keith Fenech are suspended while George Mallia is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Jonathan Bondin (knee) and Matthew Bartolo (ankle) are doubtful.

With Vittoriosa taking on Sliema tomorrow, Azzopardi acknow-ledged that this weekend’s matches could have a huge bearing on the fight to avoid the drop.

“The next two games could have a big influence on the relegation race,” Azzopardi said.

“A defeat for either Hibs or us combined with a win for Vittoriosa against Sliema would reopen the issue. On the other hand, the winner of our game along with Sliema would be mathematically sure of keeping their Premier League status if Vittoriosa lose.

“We’re approaching this match as we did for the previous game against Vittoriosa. We’re going to give it our best shot.”

Hibs coach Mark Miller shares Azzopardi’s views on today’s match.

“Both teams will be thinking the same way,” Miller said. “A win either way would seal the relegation issue but a loss would complicate matters. We don’t want to depend on other teams to reach our target. We want to win this game but we know it’s not going to be easy.”

Miller is worried about Andrew Cohen as the Hibs livewire has been unwell this week. Steve Pisani and Jean Paul Farrugia are injured.

Results this season: Hibs vs Qormi 0-0, 0-1.