The second derby of the 2009 BOV National League will be played this evening at the National Pool with champions Sliema McDonald's faced with a must-win situation to cancel the two-point deficit they currently have with table-toppers and eternal rivals Neptunes Vodafone.

Another bumper crowd is anticipated today as the Reds will be eager to confirm their current fine form after hitting a scorching run of excellent displays and plenty of goals scored in the process, 36 in their last two matches at the expense of the two other Division One contenders - San Ġiljan Tropicana (19-11) and Sirens Ritter Sports (17-9).

Sliema are coming from two successive victories and their goals' for column also looks healthy with 109 scored from eight matches.

Neptunes won the preliminary round derby last month. On that occasion, the Reds prevailed 13-11 but this time the Blues cannot afford to lose further points to stay in contention for the league title.

Sergio Afric's men looked in control in their last match against San Ġiljan last week but Neptunes pose a different proposition with club product Steve Camilleri in a rich vein of form at present scoring six last week against Sirens.

The other big match of the week will be played tomorrow between San Ġiljan and Sirens.

This match is open to any result with both sides looking to hit back after falling off the pace following defeats in their last outings.

San Ġiljan, joint second with Sliema, will, perhaps, be praying the derby ends all-square today. They were in top form in the preliminary round but seem to have lost their way in the most crucial phase of the championship.

A victory tomorrow will put the Saints back on track but Sirens could have different plans as the team from St Paul's Bay risk falling by the wayside in the race for the league title.

Programme

Today: Division Two - 6.15 p.m. Marsascala vs Otters. Division One - 7.30 p.m. Neptunes vs Sliema.

Tomorrow: Division Two - 5.15 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Ta' Xbiex. Division One - 6.30 p.m. San Ġiljan vs Sirens.