The race for the BOV Premier League reaches a defining chapter this weekend when leaders Hibernians face nearest rivals Balzan while third-placed Valletta take on arch rivals Floriana on what is being termed as ‘Super Sunday’ at the National Stadium.

At present, only three points separate the top three teams and the outcome of the upcoming clashes will surely leave a huge bearing on who could go on and claim the coveted crown come May 6.

Hibernians went into the international break in the driving seat after profiting from Balzan’s defeat to Valletta to regain top spot.

Josef Mansueto, the Hibs assistant coach, talked up the importance of Sunday’s match which he believes will give a better indication of how far his team can go this season.

“This is a crucial test for our ambitions,” Mansueto told a news conference at the National Stadium.

“Balzan assembled a very competitive squad and well-equipped to challenge for the title. To be honest, we are quite surprised to find ourselves in this advantageous position.

“At the start, we did not set our bar too high. Our plan was to bring in a few young players and make sure we stay competitive to challenge for a place in Europe.

“But the team has performed above expectations and now that we are in this position we want to give everything we have to stay in contention until the final day.”

After their below-par showing against Valletta, Balzan will be keen to regain the pole position in the championship race with victory over a side they have already beaten twice in the league this season.

“The setback to Valletta was a hard blow to our ambitions but now we have the chance to put ourselves back on track,” Jean Paul Desira, Balzan’s assistant coach, said.

“Victory against Hibernians will see us back on top and in a strong position to fulfil what we have worked so hard for since the start of the season.

“Hibs are very dangerous opponents but we are fully confident and know on Sunday we can return home with three points in the bag.”

Desira shrugged off suggestions that missing out on the league title would be a failure for Balzan.

“Surely, not,” he explained.

“Our priority has always been European football. We try to finish as high as possible but if we do not become champions and qualify for Europe we would still have reached our pre-season objective.

Valletta will be interested spectators of Sunday’s opener before they lock horns with Floriana.

“Now that the campaign is slowly edging towards a climax all matches carry significant weight and there’s big pressure on all teams,” City coach Paul Zammit said.

“But I’m really proud of the character shown by my players. We had to deal with all kinds of problems this season but the team kept fighting hard and here we are again among the challengers for the Premier League title.

“Matches against Floriana are always special and this one will have added significance as victory will give us a huge push towards our goal.”

Zammit said that Ryan Camilleri, who injured his shoulder during Malta’s 3-1 defeat to Slovakia, and Rowen Muscat, who is nursing an adductor problem, will be given until the last minute to prove their fitness.

Giovanni Tedesco, the Floriana coach, said that although his team are out of the title race they were still in the running to qualify for European football and they are desperate for the three points against Valletta.

“We are facing the Malta champions who are full of quality players and managed by a very intelligent coach so we surely need no extra motivation to perform,” Tedesco told reporters.

“Derbies against Valletta are always special for our fans and with European football within our reach we are going out determined to get the win that will keep us on course to reach our season objective.”

In the last week, Tedesco has been the subject of speculation regarding his future as Floriana coach.

Reports said that Tedesco has been approached by officials from the Algerian football federation regarding the possibility of being offered the job of national coach.

Serie A club Genoa have also been linked with a move for Tedesco who has already experience in managing in the Serie A having been in charge of Palermo for a short stint last season

Quizzed on the subject, Tedesco opted not to comment on the speculation.

“This is not the time or place to talk about my future especially on the eve of an important match,” he said.

“It would be disrespectful towards the club, the players and the fans.”