It’s not exactly do-or-die but make no mistake, this afternoon’s summit meeting between leaders Birkirkara and Valletta has the capacity to influence the destination of the league honours.

A win for Birkirkara would make them surefire favourites to retain the title as they would open a five-point gap at the top with only five matches remaining.

For Valletta, the stakes are even higher. They need the three points to dislodge their rivals from top spot while a draw would keep things tight at the summit.

Malta midfielder Rowen Muscat is in line to return after completing his recovery from knee surgery but Nigerian forward Shola Shodiya Haruna and Serbian defender Nikola Vukanac are ranked as doubtful.

Frank Temile could be involved.

Temile’s electric performances in the early weeks of the season suggested that he would add further impetus to Birkirkara’s attack but the Nigerian’s form tailed off as the campaign progressed, resulting in him falling well behind the likes of Haruna and Jhonnattann in the pecking order. 

Previous results: Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-0, 1-2.