Big guns to face each other again

Msida St Joseph and Marsaxlokk will be hoping Sliema Wanderers eliminate Birkirkara from the FA Trophy semi-finals next week to secure a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

The draw was made yesterday at the MFA offices in Valletta.

Sliema are already sure of their place in the Champions League next season after winning the championship for the third time in a row on Monday.

Birkirkara are currently second in the standings and will look to avoid defeat against Valletta in their last match on Saturday to play in Europe either in the UEFA Cup or next month's Intertoto Cup.

However, the only way for Msida and Marsaxlokk to play in Europe is via the FA Trophy. A berth in the final with Sliema will guarantee a place for any of the two in the UEFA Cup.

Last year, Sliema ousted Bir-kirkara 2-1 in the semi-final. They went on to beat surprise finalists Marsaxlokk to make it a double.

In direct league encounters this season, Sliema and Birkirkara won a match each, the two other clashes finishing in 0-0 and 1-1 stalemates.

Marsaxlokk had a poor campaign and just managed to make the Championship Pool. To reach the 2004 final, they beat Valletta 1-0 after extra time. On paper, this time the job looks easier but Relegation Pool side Msida are also focusing on this competition to save their season.

In the quarter-finals, Msida stunned Hibs in a 1-0 win and Marsaxlokk again had the better of Valletta 4-2. Sliema and Bir-kirkara had identical 3-2 wins over Mqabba and Floriana.

In case of a drawn result in the semi-finals and final no replays will be played. Penalties will decide the issue if no winner emerges after extra-time.

Programme
Friday, May 13 7.30 p.m. Sliema vs Birkirkara.

Saturday, May 14 p.m. Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk.

Friday, May 20 Final, 8 p.m.

Sliema celebrations

Sliema Wanderers yesterday issued a programme of celebrations to mark the club's 26th league title.

Various activities will be held this week in the build-up to Sunday's match against Hibs.

A carcade will accompany the players and officials after the match to the Ferries where the fans will greet the team with the Premier League cup.

Besides, a new CD has been launched. This may be purchased from various outlets in Sliema.

A special edition of the Blue Review magazine will also be out this week.