Valletta’s status as the BOV Premier League leaders faces a tricky test tomorrow when they take on Ħamrun Spartans at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4pm).

For local football enthusiasts, clashes between Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans evoke memories of the huge rivalry that existed between the two clubs in the 1980s and early 1990s when they dominated the domestic scene.

Despite in recent years, both team's fortunes were completely different from each other, this clash still attracts a huge number of people to the stadium and as both teams are performing well in the early stages of the season, tomorrow's tie should be no exception.

A 2-0 victory against Naxxar Lions in their last game prior the international break earned the Spartans three important points which enabled them to move into seventh place with 16 points.

Jacques Scerri, coach of the Spartans, is confident that his team can put up a brave display given that during the international break they had more time to work on their tactics.

Meanwhile, Valletta's coach Zoran Popovic is expecting a tight battle tomorrow and despite his side at the heights of the championship, he is not expecting the Reds to be any pushovers, considering also the rivalry between both sides. 

One of the Citizens' beneficial factors is their defensive bunker which has let in only four goals in their first 10 outings this season, yet Popovic is wary of the threat that Scerri's side can pose to them courtesy of the talent they possess in their offensive department.