Back in August, Valletta launched their title quest with a 3-1 victory over Birkirkara but recent evidence suggests that the Stripes will be a harder nut to crack when the two rivals lock horns again this afternoon at the National Stadium (kick-off 16.00).
Birkirkara's resurgence has taken them to within a point of Valletta who ended the first round on top after their imminent opponents inflicted a 5-2 defeat on Qormi.
Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, predicts an "interesting game".
"They (Birkirkara) have been playing good football," Caanen said.
"I watched their match against Qormi and Birkirkara deserved to win. The positive thing for Birkirkara is that they have been able to field virtually the same team until now."
The Dutchman is nonetheless positive about Valletta's chances of starting their second round commitments on an uplifting note.
"We've got a very strong squad and the competition for places is very healthy," Caanen said.
"The players have been giving their 100 per cent in training. I believe in them. In every match we've played so far, Valletta have always created many scoring chances and that gives me a positive feeling."
Striker Ian Zammit could be out for up to four weeks after suffering a knee injury in last Sunday's 4-1 success over Dingli but otherwise, Caanen has a full squad. Luke Dimech and Doding Priso are back in contention after serving a one-match ban.
Unlike Caanen, Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit has several selection headaches. Paul Fenech and Joseph Zerafa are suspended while Sylvano Comvalius and Angus Buhagiar are doubtful due to injuries. Shaun Bajada twisted his ankle last week but is expected to declare himself available.
"The most heartening aspect of our performances in the last matches is that these reflect the progress made by this squad since the start of the season," Zammit said.
"The players have been showing more self-belief and I think our team has now gained an identity.
"Every game is important for us. We're aware that Valletta have by far the strongest squad in the league but this is a challenge for our team, even if we have some key players missing.
"Whatever the circumstances, we must remain positive and look forward to giving another good performance against Valletta."
First round - Valletta vs Birkirkara 3-1.
Ħamrun vs Hibs (today at 14.00, National Stadium)
Champions Hibs are desperate to return to winning ways after losing 1-0 to Sliema last weekend. For their part, Ħamrun will be looking to stay on the winning trail after their hard-fought victory over Tarxien Rainbows revived their hopes of clinching a place in the Championship Pool.
Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, will return to the bench after completing a four-match touchline ban. The former Malta U-21 mentor is also buoyed by the return from suspension of goalkeeper Mario Muscat.
Matthew Tabone is injured while twin brothers Yan and Elkien Cauchi are doubtful.
Ħamrun coach Steve D'Amato must make at least one change from the team that started the 1-0 win over the Rainbows as defender Roderick Fenech must serve a one-match ban after seeing red in last week's game. Neville Galea is still recovering from injury.
First round - Hibs vs Ħamrun 4-2.
Tarxien vs Dingli (tomorrow at 14.00, Hibs Ground)
This is a must-win match for Tarxien and bottom-placed Dingli.
Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, can't field his best team as striker Ribeiro is ruled out by a one-match ban after his late red card in the 1-0 upset to the Spartans.
Stacey Vella has also been suspended for one match after being sent off from the bench for use of abusive language against Ħamrun. The former Msida defender has also been slapped with a one-month ban by Tarxien.
Apart from Ribeiro, Coleiro is also concerned about the fitness of forward Warren Chircop.
Dingli coach Jesmond Zammit has no injury concerns. Andre Rocha da Silva was an unused substitute in the 4-1 defeat to Valletta but the Brazilian is expected to start tomorrow as he has now recovered from a hamstring injury.
First round - Dingli vs Tarxien 1-4.
Msida SJ vs Sliema (tomorrow at 16.00, Hibs Ground)
Sliema have justified reason to be upbeat about their chances of seeing off relegation strugglers Msida and make it two wins in a row. Defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino is out as he must serve the second of a two-match ban while Matthew Bartolo has an ankle problem.
At present, Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi has only one foreign player available, Romanian Lucian Dronca, as Brazilian goalkeeper Maicon Gustavo has been released and Nigerian striker Henry Isaac is overseas.
Sliema are in talks to sign former Msida striker Pedrinho next month.
Having joined Msida on loan until the end of the season, Miguel Ciantar is widely expected to line up against players who, up to two weeks ago, were his team-mates at Sliema.
Karl Ebejer is still ruled out by injury for Msida.
First round - Sliema Wanderers vs Msida St Joseph 2-0.