However, more drama is expected on the sister island when a crucial round of fixtures from the Bottom 6 are played at the Gozo Stadium, with the race to avoid the last two places in the standings entering a decisive phase.
Derbies between Floriana and Valletta always attract the biggest attention of football lovers as the huge rivalry that exists between the two clubs has always provided some drama-filled matches, and today’s clash is likely to follow the same form.
Floriana have been the top-performing side in the Closing Round as Daniel Portela’s team have brushed aside all their rivals, opening a significant nine-point lead at the top over joint runners-up Ħamrun Spartans and Marsaxlokk.
With four matches to go, Floriana need just a point from Saturday’s derby to ensure they will be contending either a play-off final against Ħamrun Spartans, should the latter finish second, or a berth in the Final Four if any other team finish second in the standings at the end of the Top 6 phase.
Floriana have struggled for results against Valletta this season as the Greens failed to beat the Citizens so far this season.
But despite their bleak record so far, their current form puts them firm favourites for all three points.
The Greens are the only unbeaten team in the Closing Round and their midweek 3-1 win over second-placed Marsaxlokk have further underlined their status as the favourites to dethrone Ħamrun Spartans.
On their part, Valletta have a lot to play for this afternoon. Thane Micallef’s team sit in fourth place on 21 points, one adrift of second-place, and nothing less than three points will satisfy their ambitions to overtake Ħamrun and Marsaxlokk to the runners-up spot.
Valletta will have to do without a key player today as winger Thaylor Aldama must serve a one-match ban following his red card against Naxxar in midweek.
Marsaxlokk will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Floriana and make a significant step in the race for second place, which mathematically sees all other teams in the Top 6 involved, when they face Gżira United tomorrow.
The Southerners, after their impressive 3-2 over Ħamrun Spartans, will be disappointed by their collapse against Floriana and coach Vincenzo Potenza will expect a strong response from his players.
However, Potenza will be aware of the threat posed by Gżira United, particularly after the latter’s stunning 1-0 win over Ħamrun Spartans in midweek that pushed them just two points away from second spot.
Ħamrun Spartans, on the other hand, will be desperate to put themselves in contention after a disastrous few weeks when they face Naxxar Lions tomorrow.
Giacomo Modica’s team are in full crisis after three successive defeats saw their hopes of a successful title defence put in serious doubt.
Their midweek defeat to Gżira United again highlighted the team’s frailties both in attack and in defence and surely they need some kind of response to ensure they don’t end the season without a trophy for the first time in five years.
Naxxar could turn out to be a dangerous opponent given their firepower upfront, particularly in transition, so Ħamrun will be wary of their threat.
Modica will be boosted by the return from suspension of Brazilian defender Emerson Marcelina, but his Italian team-mate Vincenzo Polito is out with a one-match ban.
The relegation is turning out to be a four-way fight with Hibernians and Żabbar St Patrick sucked in following their costly defeats in midweek.
The Paolites, who are the only side to boast the record of always playing in the Maltese top-flight, face a tough test this weekend when they face Birkirkara and nothing less than a win will do.
Hibernians have struggled for results, and in midweek they were upset by their neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows by the odd goal in five, a defeat that left them on 12 points, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Birkirkara may be in a much healthier position in the standings as they are six points clear of the relegation zone, but are still under pressure as their defeat to the Wanderers on Tuesday has only further incensed their disgruntled fans in what has been so far a very disappointing season.
Thus, Paul Zammit’s team will be keen to make amends with a victory over Hibernians.
The clash between Żabbar St Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows holds huge ramifications for both sides.
Tomorrow’s clash is a must-win for both teams who are tied on 10 points and both teams are desperate for the three points to move out of the relegation zone.
Jacques Scerri’s Tarxien are still fighting with all their energy to claw themselves out of the drop zone and their fighting display against Hibernians in midweek certainly infuses optimism for another crucial three points against Żabbar.
On the other hand, Gilbert Agius’ Żabbar have no margin of error after back -to-back defeats to Birkirkara and Mosta.
Another negative result tomorrow will see them succumb in the red zone so the Saints need a strong response to pull themselves out of this difficult situation.
Mosta is another team gunning for the three points when they face Sliema, the only side assured of Premier League safety in the Bottom 6.
Wednesday’s dramatic win over Żabbar will have galvanised the Mosta clan who up to a few weeks ago looked out of the running to avoid the bottom two places and surely they will go out with all guns blazing in their bid to move out of the relegation zone.
