All the attention in recent weeks centred on the five-way fight for Championship Pool berths but the issue was resolved last weekend.

Sliema, Hibs and Tarxien have moved into the comfort zone while Ħamrun and Floriana are bracing themselves for a relegation scrap as they have joined Msida and bottom side Dingli in the strugglers' class.

None of the last fixtures before the customary split falls under the do-or-die category but all teams will doubtless be adamant on collecting maximum spoils to raise their spirits ahead of upcoming battles.

High-fliers Birkirkara and Qormi will surely look at their direct clash today as an opportunity to improve their title chances.

Victory for either side would propel them above leaders Valletta before the latter's winnable match against Dingli Swallows on Monday but, more importantly, it would enable them to start their Championship Pool trek in a positive frame of mind.

"This is our last match of the first phase," Jesmond Zerafa, the Qormi coach, told The Times.

"It's important to gain the three points and consolidate our position.

"Birkirkara have emerged as one of our direct rivals for a place in European competitions. They are the only team who beat us heavily this season, so we have a score to settle.

"If we really mean to challenge for a top-three finish, we must play well and win direct clashes. There is no doubt that we are in for another tough test but we're looking forward to it."

Zerafa has the luxury of choosing his team from a full squad today. Brazilian striker Camilo is expected to return after completing his rehab from a groin operation.

Having averted the drop with a final-day victory over Ħamrun Spartans last season, Qormi have exceeded expectations this term as their lofty position in the table fully illustrates. Their proximity to the summit has led to suggestions that Qormi should be considered among the title candidates but Zerafa insisted that Europe is his main target now.

"My belief is that, in order to achieve an ambitious, difficult goal, you must first concentrate on attaining achievable targets," Zerafa said.

"For us to fight for the title, we first have to secure qualification for Europe. If we have a chance of challenging for the league, we will do our best to win it but Europe is our immediate priority.

"Now that we have reached our Championship Pool aim, we can approach the second part of the season with tranquility but that doesn't mean that Qormi will rest on their laurels. Our efforts to strengthen the squad during last month's transfer window underline our intentions."

Like Qormi, Birkirkara's impressive run so far has heightened expectations of a possible tilt at the title.

Three points from their duel with Qormi today would ensure that Birkirkara will launch their top-six campaign level with Valletta on 20 points, provided the latter see off Dingli.

A 1-0 defeat to Sliema and uncertainty about Sylvano Comvalius's future had threatened to undermine Birkirkara's momentum but, to their credit, the Stripes showed commendable fighting spirit in coming from a goal down to beat Msida 2-1 last weekend.

"This game (vs Qormi) is important for both teams," Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, said.

"In terms of points, there's little at stake but second place in the table is on the line.

"Finishing second at the end of the first phase may prove beneficial in the final weeks of the season.

"Qormi's overall performance has been extremely positive and the two signings (Stefan Giglio and Matthew Bartolo) they made in January have given them a boost.

"This match should give us a good indication of what we can expect in the second phase. For us, the Championship Pool is going to start a week in advance."

Malta midfielder George Mallia is still plagued by a calf problem but Joseph Zerafa and Angus Buhagiar may return after making good progress in their recovery from injuries.

Comvalius is unlikely to start as the Dutch forward only returned from Antalya yesterday where he had a second trial with Russian side Spartak Nalchik.

Zammit, who was part of the Malta FA contingent that attended a UEFA coaching event in Coverciano this week, said that Birkirkara have been trying to find a balance between their interests and those of Comvalius.

"I can't be happy when something undermines the structure of the team but we have also tried to understand the player's position," Zammit said.

"Comvalius felt he had an opportunity to move forward in his career and we didn't stand in his way. But we were also duty-in-bound to protect the rest of the squad and when considering the Comvalius issue, we did our best to limit the negative effects this issue can have on the team."

First round - Birkirkara vs Qormi 5-2.