Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit has acknowledged the importance of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Valletta but dismissed suggestions that the result could decide the title issue.

Champions Birkirkara will go five points clear at the top if they beat their rivals. Valletta will top the table if they win.

Mr Zammit insisted that the title race would remain open irrespective of the outcome on Sunday.

“The way the Championship Pool is this season, every weekend can bring changes at the summit of the classification,”  Mr Zammit told Times of Malta ahead of Sunday’s match at the National Stadium (kick-off 4pm).

“Therefore, I believe that, although this match is a direct encounter between first and second, there’s a long way to go. It’s the first direct clash in the Championship Pool. Let’s not forget that, before the games we played last weekend, we had a five-point advantage, and now we are only two points ahead.

“The situation can change several times. We should also not forget that we have another direct encounter with Valletta after this one.“This game has its importance, it has its weight because it’s first against second, but I don’t think it will be decisive.”

For his part, Valletta captain Ryan Fenech said that a win on Sunday would strengthen the players’ belief in their title chances.

“More than helping us to win the league, a win would give us the faith that we can achieve what we are aiming for,” Mr Fenech said.

“A win would put us top... we haven’t been first for a long time. It would inevitably lift the atmosphere both at the club and among the fans. A win is a win. Given our positions in the standings, a win against Birkirkara would be an extra bonus for us.

“We are looking forward for Sunday and I believe that, as we have done in our last match against Birkirkara (Valletta won 2-1), we can win the match.”