Amid high expectations of a thrilling game at the National Stadium (kick-off 5pm), the fans of these two rival clubs are expected to turn up in their thousands for a fixture that has taken on an extra edge after the events of the last two weeks.

Trailing Birkirkara and Hibs by three points with only two matches left, Valletta must win to retain hope of claiming a third consecutive title.

It’s a tall order for the champions who face Hibs after today’s game but coach Mark Miller is relishing the challenge.

“If we win we’ll have another chance,” Miller said. “Next week, we play Hibs and if we win these two games, we will then go into a play-off. It’s very simple. We have to win a game of football.

“It’s possible but difficult because we have to do it three times to win the championship against three big teams.

“We’re happy to have another chance. If we don’t succeed, we will still have a big say on who wins the title, so we must show our true colours in both games.”

Michael Mifsud is back in the frame for Valletta after seeing out his one-match ban while Senegalese forward Demba Toure is likely to be in the squad. There are doubts over Roderick Briffa who is recovering from flu.

Miller believes his charges will be fired up for today’s game.

“If they’re not motivated for this game, they will never be,” Miller said.

“I’m looking forward to it. We’re coming from behind and the pressure is on Birkirkara.

“The pressure on us is to play well and try to win the game.

“Birkirkara were seven points ahead of us at one stage but if we beat them, we will be on equal points.

“They’re looking over both shoulders now because Hibs are also in the equation. Anything can happen.”

Birkirkara’s goalless draw with Mosta did little to assuage their anger at the controversial penalty incident which denied them victory in the previous match against Hibs but coach Paul Zammit stressed that these events have only increased his respect for his players.

“I’m very proud of my players,” Zammit said. “It’s thanks to them that we’re in this position. This team is challenging not because the results of other teams favoured us or because of certain episodes but on our own merits.

“We will continue to fight for our pride till the very end.”

Zammit disagrees with Miller that Birkirkara are under greater pressure.

“For Valletta, it is a do-or-die affair. For us, any result would keep our title aspirations alive but if Valletta fail to win, they will be out of contention again,” Zammit said.

The draw against Hibs may have rattled Birkirkara but Zammit is backing his players to show their character.

“After the Hibs game, I felt that the players and the whole Birkirkara clan had suffered a blow,” Zammit said. “It can affect you psychologically but we must change this by getting stronger to be able to face the challenges ahead.

“Whatever happens, it’s important that we finish this season with our heads held high.”

Birkirkara are buoyed by the return from suspension of four players, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza and Rodrigo Pereira but Zach Muscat is out after being handed a one-match ban in midweek.

Meanwhile, the Malta FA announced this week that the Birkirkara fans have been allocated the entire West Stand (Enclosure) while the Millennium Stand will house the Valletta supporters for today’s game.

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

The other matches

Tarxien vs Sliema (today at 3pm, National Stadium).

With only one point separating Sliema from Tarxien, the winner of this clash will significantly strengthen either side’s chances of qualifying for the Europa League.

Both teams are coming from a defeat as Sliema threw away a two-goal lead in a 3-2 loss to Hibs while Tarxien went down 3-1 to Valletta.

Sliema coach Alfonso Greco can’t bank on captain Alex Muscat and striker Ian Zammit, both suspended, while Ivan Woods (muscle strain) and Miguel Ciantar (ankle) are sidelined with injuries.

Tarxien are expected to be at full strength.

Previous results: Tarxien vs Sliema 2-3, 2-1, 0-0.

Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 3pm, National Stadium).

This is a must-win game for relegation-threatened Ħamrun Spartans. They have an arduous task on their hands as they are coming from back-to-back defeats while Floriana have won their last six games.

Floriana coach Iain Brunskill must make two changes from the team that beat Rabat 2-1 as goalkeeper Anthony Warner and winger Steve Pisani are suspended.

Ħamrun are boosted by the return of defender Adrian Borg who missed the 6-2 drubbing to Qormi because of suspension.

Previous results: Floriana vs Ħamrun 1-1, 2-0, 3-0.

Hibernians vs Mosta (tomorrow at 5pm, National Stadium).

High-flying Hibs must beat Mosta to strengthen their title bid. The Paolites are regarded as favourites to win but Mosta are on a high after holding Birkirkara to a draw in their last outing.

Brazilian defender Rodolfo Soares returns for Hibs after serving his one-match ban but Ryan Camilleri is out with a knee injury.

Mosta coach Danilo Doncic must cope without Bulgarian winger Danail Mitev who received a two-match ban for his sending-off in the Birkirkara game. Carlos Campagnoli is out with an ankle problem.

Previous results: Hibs vs Mosta 3-2, 1-0, 3-1.