All eyes will be on the National Stadium on Saturday as Floriana and Hamrun Spartans cross swords in what could be a decisive clash for the BOV Premier League title 2023/24.
One week ago, the Greens were leading the table with the Spartans trailing by two points. However while Hamrun registered a comfortable 4-1 win over Santa Lucia, Floriana were beaten 0-1 by Marsaxlokk. A win which put Luciano Zauri’s side one point ahead.
Therefore, with two matches to go for the end of the season, a win for Hamrun would ensure they win the championship. The second championship on the trot, the third in four years and the tenth in the history of the club.
Floriana, on the other hand, need a win to move top and wait for the fixtures on match-day 26 as they take on Gzira United and Hamrun Spartans face Hibernians.
The first round clash ended in a narrow win for the Spartans.
Meanwhile also of utmost interest are the matches involving the teams battling against relegation.
Naxxar are currently seventh on 32 points, followed by Gzira and Balzan on 30, Mosta 27, Santa Lucia 26 and Valletta 24. Sirens and Gudja United have already been relegated.
Naxxar, who were promoted from the Challenge League last season, need just a draw from the remaining two matches and should they earn this point in the game against Valletta on Sunday, they would push the Citizens into deeper trouble. Otherwise they would have to wait for the derby against Mosta next week.
Gzira and Balzan both need a win to secure their status. The Maroons face Santa Lucia and Balzan take on Mosta in direct clashes on Sunday. Wins for Gzira and Balzan would ensure they would play in the Premier League and then it would be up to Mosta, Santa Lucia and Valletta to battle to avoid the drop.
Next week, Gzira face Floriana while Balzan meet Marsaxlokk.
Mosta meet Balzan and Naxxar, knowing that two wins would secure their status. After the game against Gzira, Santa Lucia will face Birkirkara in their last league game while Valletta could only hope to beat Naxxar Lions and Gudja United and hope that Mosta and Santa Lucia drop points.
On the other hand, with regards to qualification for European football, Sliema Wanderers would secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League next summer should they beat Gudja United.
In another match, a draw for Marsaxlokk would ensure they finish in fourth place.
| Sat 27-Apr-2024 | Gudja United FC vs Sliema Wanderers FC | 14:00 | Tony Bezzina Stadium |
| Sat 27-Apr-2024 | Floriana FC vs Hamrun Spartans FC | 15:00 | National Stadium |
| Sat 27-Apr-2024 | Hibernians FC vs Marsaxlokk FC | 16:15 | Tony Bezzina Stadium |
| Sun 28-Apr-2024 | Naxxar Lions FC vs Valletta FC | 14:00 | National Stadium |
| Sun 28-Apr-2024 | Balzan FC vs Mosta FC | 14:00 | Tony Bezzina Stadium |
| Sun 28-Apr-2024 | Birkirkara FC vs Sirens FC | 16:15 | National Stadium |
| Sun 28-Apr-2024 | Santa Lucia FC vs Gzira United FC | 16:15 | Tony Bezzina Stadium |