Eight teams battle for place in semis

After an eventful weekend, during which the six teams that will make up the Championship Pool were finalised and Malta's opponents in the qualifying round for Euro 2012 were revealed, the attention of local football enthusiasts turns to the quarter-finals of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup, to be played between today and tomorrow.

The stand-out fixture is the clash between reigning champions Hibernians and Premier League leaders Valletta, scheduled for this evening at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

These two rivals experienced contrasting fortunes in their last outings. Valletta are on a roll after a 4-0 rout of Ħamrun Spartans handed them a fourth victory in their last five league matches but the same cannot be said of the Paolites.

Hibs' 1-0 loss to rivals Tarxien extended their winless streak to five matches and further undermined their chances of defending the league crown.

For Valletta, today's game will be their first real test in this one-off competition after rolling past Gozo FC (7-0) and Vittoriosa Stars (3-0) in the previous rounds.

Mark Miller's team had a harder route to the quarter-finals as they ousted Qormi on penalties, following a 1-1 draw, and then defeated Marsaxlokk in the fourth round.

Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, is not giving much importance to the two teams' league form ahead of this evening's encounter.

"In cup games, everything is decided in those 90 minutes and the team that plays better on the day will go through," the Dutchman told The Times yesterday.

"The Anniversary Cup holds special importance for our club as we are determined to add this unique cup to the list of honours Valletta FC have won, including the Centenary Cup in 2000.

"Matches against Hibernians are always difficult but I'm sure that our players will be fully motivated to win this match and progress to the semi-finals of this competition."

Caanen can bank on a full squad as no injuries were reported after Saturday's 4-0 win over Ħamrun.

Hibs' opaque performance in Saturday's derby defeat to Tarxien frustrated Miller who now expects his players to produce a strong response in their clash with Valletta.

"We really need to step up our game if we have any ambition of reaching the semi-finals," Miller said.

"Our performance against Tarxien was disappointing, to say the least, as the players looked demotivated and this is unacceptable when you are donning the colours of Hibernians. I have some tough decisions to take as I'm not prepared to tolerate such attitude from my players.

"Against Valletta, the players will not only be playing for a place in the semi-finals but their future at the club will also be at stake as they will have to prove to everyone that they deserve to be part of this team."

Uruguayan midfielder Christian Callejas is doubtful after picking up a knock against the Rainbows.

Other matches

Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana (tomorrow at 3 p.m., Tedesco Stadium)

After missing out on a spot in the Championship Pool, Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana will be looking to gain a much-needed boost in the shape of a place in the semi-finals of the Anniversary Cup.

The Spartans, who reached the last eight after victories over St George's (3-0) and Mellieħa (4-1), are still without midfielder Jonathan Holland who is nursing a hamstring injury. On the positive front, coach Steve D'Amato is buoyed by the return of Rupert Mangion, Ian Zammit and Roderick Fenech.

Floriana, who eliminated Mqabba (2-0) and Melita (1-0) in the previous rounds, are set to be without defender Clifton Ciantar who sustained a knock against Sliema.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Lija Athletic (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium)

Morale is sky-high at Tarxien Rainbows after the club secured their Premier League status for another season last weekend through their qualification for the Championship Pool.

Tomorrow, the Rainbows will be looking to extend their positive spell by beating Division Two side Lija Athletic for a berth in the semi-finals of the Anniversary Cup.

Having breezed into the quarter-finals with emphatic victories over Msida St Joseph (5-0) and Balzan Youths (5-1), Tarxien start as firm favourites to reach the last four. Coach Noel Coleiro may give Denni a rest after the Brazilian received a knock in the 1-0 win over Hibernians.

Lija, led by former Ħamrun coach Marco Gerada, will be seeking to perform a giant-killing act as they look to extend their remarkable run in this competition. Gerada's team knocked out Gżira United (2-1), Birżebbuġa (1-0) and Naxxar Lions (3-1) in the previous rounds.

The Division Two outfit extended their unbeaten run in the league to 24 matches with a 2-0 win over Żurrieq last weekend.

Sliema Wanderers vs Mosta (tomorrow at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium)

In-form Sliema Wanderers are odds-on favourites to reach the semi-finals when they take on Division One side Mosta.

The Wanderers appear to have found their best form since Mark Marlow replaced Stephen Azzopardi at the helm. Under the former Msida mentor, Sliema have gained three successive victories in the league to secure a place in the Championship Pool and revive their hopes of challenging for the title.

In the previous rounds, Sliema disposed of Division One opponents, beating San Ġwann (2-0) and St Patrick (4-1).

Marlow has no injury problems but he may give some of his fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a place in the first team.

Mosta, who beat Siġġiewi (3-1) and Għargħur (4-1) on their way to the quarter-finals, must improve on their recent performances if they are to have a chance of causing an upset. On Sunday, Oliver Spiteri's team failed to win for the seventh consecutive match after crashing to a 2-1 defeat to Pietà Hotspurs.