The Premier League relegation issue this season could be resolved this evening when Hibernians take on bottom-placed Vittoriosa Stars at the Hibs Stadium.
Before the break for the inter-national matches, four successive defeats had put Vittoriosa on the verge of losing their place in the top flight as the struggling Red outfit are trailing second-from-bottom Qormi by eight points with only three matches left.
With just one team relegated this season, Vittoriosa must take all points against a Hibernians team who have already secured their status in the Premier League and hope Sliema Wanderers beat Qormi tomorrow to keep their flickering hopes alive.
The Stars enjoy a positive record against the Paolites this season as they beat them twice in three direct clashes so far.
Vittoriosa coach Winston Muscat is urging his players to keep fighting till the end.
“There’s no hiding that our position in the standings is critical,” Muscat said.
“Unfortunately, our fate is not in our hands as even if we beat Hibernians we could still end up relegated if Qormi overcome Sliema this weekend. However, we intend to keep fighting till the end.
“If we are going to bow out from the Premier League, we want to do it with some respect.”
Muscat cannot name his strongest formation today as he is forced to do without three first-team players.
Defender Stephen Wellman and striker Edison are both ruled out as they must serve a one-match ban while centre-half Jeffrey Chetcuti suffered a knee injury in the FA Trophy defeat to Tarxien Rain-bows.
Hibs won the friendly Gozo Cup tournament last weekend. For them, today’s match holds far less significance as the Paolites avoided a damaging skirmish against the drop with three matches to spare after an impressive run of four wins on the trot in the Relegation Pool.
Coach Mark Miller made no secret of his intention to field some of his fringe players against Vittoriosa as he looks to start planning for next season.
“The match against Vittoriosa holds little importance for us in terms of classification,” he said.
“In our next three matches we intend to give more playing time and evaluate the potential of some junior players. They will have to prove that they deserve to remain with the club next season and form part of the first team.
“This will be a delicate exercise for the club as we don’t want to find ourselves in the same position next season.
“This year I didn’t have enough options when regular first teamers were out injured. If the young players prove they can do the grade, in summer we won’t have to look elsewhere for new players to strengthen our squad.”
For sure, Miller will be without two central defenders today as Ryan Camilleri and Aaron Xuereb must serve a one-match ban.
Ritchie Hart is out with shoulder trouble and long-term absentees Steve Pisani and Jean-Paul Farrugia are still unavailable.
Results so far: Hibernians vs Vittoriosa Stars 0-2, 1-2, 2-1.
Programme
Today: (Hibs Stadium) 19.30 Vittoriosa Stars vs Hibernians.
Tomorrow: (Hibs Stadium) 15.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Qormi; 17.00 Ħamrun Spartans vs Marsaxlokk.
Sunday: (National Stadium) 15.00 Birkirkara vs Floriana; 17.00 Tarxien Rainbows vs Valletta.