Hibernians will be all out to send a signal of intent to their rivals when they open the 2009 Championship Pool commitments against Marsaxlokk at the National Stadium today (kick-off: 2 p.m.).

Having succeeded in ending the first phase on top of the Premier League standings, Hibs will now want to retain that position for their remaining 10 matches in their bid to take the championship trophy back to Paola for the first time since 2002.

At present, the Paolites are enjoying a slender one-point lead over champions Valletta. So, victory over Marsaxlokk is a must for Hibs to retain their lofty position, at least for another week.

Their task will be anything but straightforward though as the Southerners, who squeezed into the top six after three successive wins, are looking to put their recent off-field distractions behind them as they target a place in Europe at the end of the season.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, was pleased with his team's overall performance so far. Still, nothing has been achieved yet and Miller knows his troops will have to extend their good form to the next phase to strike success.

"The championship race starts here," Miller told The Times.

"Everything we achieved during the past six months takes secondary importance as it's what we do from now on that will decide whether we will challenge for the title or not.

"Every match is a cup final and our objective is to win them all. If we do that we will be champions. If not, it's going to be very difficult. The ball is in our court."

Hibs' forte so far was their striking prowess, led by league top scorer Terrence Scerri, who netted 21 goals of his team's 49.

This week, the Paolites strengthened their forward line with the acquisition of striker Paulo Borges Zeferino. The 30-year-old Portuguese was signed to fill the void left by Alexis Tekumu Mbongo who quit the club last month.

Zeferino, who started his career with the Real Madrid B side, is expected to make his debut this afternoon. Miller, however, is sure to be without defender Aaron Xuereb (groin injury) while midfielder Rumen Galabov will be serving a one-match ban.

In their two meetings with Marsaxlokk this season, the Paolites emerged victorious twice following 3-2 and 4-1 victories. Miller is now expecting a fierce response from Marsaxlokk even though the latter were embroiled in an attempt bribery case earlier this month that rocked the club from its seams.

"Marsaxlokk will be fired up against us, no matter what might have happened elsewhere," Miller declared.

"They have no pressure now that they are in the top six and I'm sure they will go out and give their all to enhance their chances of playing in Europe.

"But we know that in the Championship Pool there are no easy matches. This is a good opportunity for us to lay down a marker on our title credentials and I believe we can do it."

Marsaxlokk have caught the headlines for the wrong reasons lately. However, coach Patrick Curmi has worked hard to see his players focused solely on the field of play.

"We are coming to this match with the sole objective of kick-starting our Championship Pool commitments with a victory," Curmi said.

"The elimination from the Trophy to Sliema Wanderers was hard to fathom. I felt we deserved a place in the final.

"However, our sights are now firmly set on qualifying to Europe and nothing else will distract us. Hibs are the form team this season and it's no surprise that they are top of the league. But, lately, we have been on a roll too, and I we are good enough to beat Hibs to extend our winning streak."

Curmi has some key players missing, however.

Midfielder Gareth Sciberras and Argentine striker Julio Alcorse are suspended while Kevin Sammut is out with groin trouble.

"Gareth, Julio and Kevin are first-teamers so they will be sorely felt especially against opponents of Hibs' calibre," Curmi said.

"But I have been impressed by the fact that most of my fringe players can perform on a high level each time they are roped in the first team. The fact that we have avoided the Relegation Pool has relieved all the pressure from us.

"Hopefully, that will help to express our best football."

Previous results: Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 3-2, 4-1.