After a one-week hiatus, during which the quarter-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy were played, the race for the BOV Premier League title resumes this evening when leaders Birkirkara play the subdued Sliema Wanderers at the National Stadium.
Both teams suffered cup heartache last weekend as the Stripes were ousted from the knockout competition by Valletta while the Wanderers saw their hopes of retaining the title dashed after a surprising 5-2 upset to Ħamrun Spartans.
But, while for Sliema the elimination from the FA Trophy ended all their aspirations of winning some major honour this season, the same cannot be said of Birkirkara.
They are currently enjoying a four-point lead over Valletta at the top of the standings after a 1-0 victory over the same Citizens a fortnight ago.
Birkirkara will be determined to strengthen their grip on the championship with victory over the stuttering Blues tonight.
"Following the exit from the FA Trophy our mindset is now solely geared up for the last five league matches of the season... they will decide our fate," Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit said.
"This is a crucial stage of the campaign and if we win our next four matches we will be champions. It's a very difficult task but this team thrives on big challenges. Sliema will be hard to beat as they have a quality side but I'm confident that if we show the same kind of determined play we had in the league so far, we can maintain our charge."
The Birkirkara coach is boosted by the return of Dutch forward Sylvano Comvalius who has recovered from hamstring trouble that forced him to miss the 3-1 Trophy defeat to Valletta last weekend. Midfielder Alan Tabone is the only absentee today as he will be serving a one-match ban.
For Sliema coach Mark Marlow, the last two weeks were a complete nightmare, to say the least. A 4-0 defeat to Qormi left them level on points with the Yellows in the race for third place and their woes were compounded with the thumping from the Spartans in the Trophy.
"It's hard to explain the sudden decline of my team," Marlow told The Times yesterday.
"Before the Qormi game, we only conceded seven goals in eight matches but in our last two outings we suffered nine. Defensively, we have to improve a lot to stand any chance of ending the season on a high. After the Trophy exit, Sliema's main objective is to finish third but we need to start winning matches again quickly.
"Birkirkara will be difficult to beat, no doubt, but we have already shown this season that Sliema can play on a par with all teams, including the big guns. This is a delicate moment for us and all players must now stand up for their responsibilities to finish the season on a positive note."
Marlow will be unable to lead his team from the bench as he will be serving the first of a two-match ban.
Joining the Sliema coach on the stands will be midfielder Pedrinho who was suspended one match in midweek.
Results so far: Sliema vs Birkirkara 0-3; 1-0; 1-2.
Programme
Today: (National Stadium) 19.30 Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara.
Tomorrow: (National Stadium) 15.00 Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans; 17.00 Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows.
Sunday: (National Stadium) 15.00 Dingli Swallows vs Msida St Joseph; 17.00 Qormi vs Hibernians.