Marsaxlokk's title charge faces stern Hibs test

With the customary mid-season split in Malta's Premier League table only a few weeks away, early pace-setters Marsaxlokk will look to maintain their title march by taking maximum spoils from their remaining three second round matches.

Eight points to the good at the top of the standings and with a game in hand over Msida St Joseph, the team nearest to Marsaxlokk, no-one can begrudge the southerners their new status as odds-on favourites to win the Premier League title. However, Marsaxlokk will be first to acknowledge that the race for top spot is far from over, what with the teams' points to be halved at the start of the Championship Pool.

Yet, Marsaxlokk's awareness of the 'discounted' value of their points total in the first two rounds has not diminished their willpower to amass as big a lead as possible before the beginning of the Championship Pool. This afternoon, the Blues will be looking to do just that when they square up to Hibernians at the National Stadium (kick-off 4 p.m.).

Judging by the teams' positions in the standings, Marsaxlokk have to be viewed as favourites to topple Hibernians as they have a 14-point lead over today's opponents. Nevertheless, the match is not expected to be a lop-sided affair as Hibs are desperate to grab the three points and make sure of their place in the Championship Pool.

Jamie Pace, Marsaxlokk's midfield maestro, expects Hibs to make life uncomfortable for his side today.

"It's going to be a very tough match," Pace told The Times. "Hibs are always a hard team to play against, irrespective of their position in the standings.

"Their win against Valletta has probably given Hibs a timely boost. We're wary about their challenge but at the same time we're confident in our abilities."

Brian Talbot, the Marsaxlokk coach who had enjoyed a successful first spell in Maltese football at the helm of Hibs, must make at least one change from his starting line-up in the 1-1 draw against St George's two weeks ago.

Newly-signed goalkeeper Justin Haber cannot make his second appearance for Marsaxlokk today after his red card against St George's provoked a one-match ban. Andrè Schembri, the talented young forward Marsaxlokk signed from Hibs a few years back, is still recovering from a foot operation.

Although Marsaxlokk's draw with St George's had no repercussions on their title lead, Pace insisted that the Blues are eager to make amends for their below-par performance against the relegation strugglers.

"Our objective for the game against Hibs is to consolidate our lead at the top but we definitely want to make up for the 1-1 draw with St George's," the former Pietà Hotspurs and Sliema midfielder remarked.

"We're all disappointed about our performance against St George's and we will surely try our best to gain a better result this time."

Pullicino set for debut

In midweek, Marsaxlokk further increased their squad's strength-in-depth with the signing of Msida midfielder Peter Pullicino who is expected to make his debut today against Hibs, his first club in Malta.

Pace welcomed Pullicino's arrival. "With Peter Pullicino in the squad, the coach has more options and more cover for a variety of positions," Pace said. "Peter is a versatile player who will increase competition for places in the team. He is an important addition to the squad."

Unlike Marsaxlokk, Hibs haven't brought in any new players to strengthen their resources and morale but they earned themselves a significant fillip last weekend with the 2-1 victory over Valletta. That success was of utmost importance for Hibs who had been in danger of missing out on a place in the Championship Pool.

As things stand, the Paolites only need three points from their remaining three second round matches to ensure a spot in the comfort zone, provided Floriana take maximum points from their next two games. Although a victory today seems to be a tall order for Hibs, their defender Kevin Cassar is confident in his team's chances of inflicting the first defeat on Marsaxlokk after 14 matches.

"This game is crucial for us," Cassar said. "If we manage to beat Marsaxlokk, we'd be justified to think that we can battle our way back into the title reckoning. On the other hand, a defeat to Marsaxlokk would push us back into relegation trouble."

Robert Gatt, the Hibernians coach, is widely expected to stick with the team that had the better of Valletta last weekend. Young players Ben Camilleri, Kenneth Spiteri and Thomas Caruana are still recovering from injuries.

The prospect of taking on the Premier League leaders is one Cassar is looking forward to.

"Personally, I feel more confident when my team plays against a top team rather than one of the minnows," Cassar opined.

"This season, we've struggled against some of the smaller teams but games against the strong sides have brought the best out of us. On paper, Marsaxlokk have a better squad than us but I really believe we can win against them."

First round result - Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 2-1.