Two non-Premier League teams are certain to book a place in the second round of the FA Trophy as this afternoon's matches from the first round feature four clubs from Division One.
Balzan Youths, the early pace-setters in Division One, start as favourites to progress to the second round of the Knock-Out competition when they face Mqabba at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 1.30 p.m.).
Fatos Daja, the Balzan Youths coach, can bank on a group of seasoned players with several years of Premier League experience under their belt, the likes of striker Mark Galea, formerly of Floriana, the much-travelled defender Jeffrey Farrugia and midfielder Mark Marlow, who last year turned out for Marsaxlokk.
Yugoslav midfielder-cum-striker Nebiosa Jankovic is unavailable for today's match as he is abroad.
In their last match in Division One, Balzan spurned a chance to take sole leadership in the table after they were held to a one-all draw by Gozo.
Daja's team are now sharing top spot with Senglea Athletics on 14 points.
Mqabba's impact on the league cannot be really gauged as they have been involved in just four matches whereas most of the other teams have played six or seven games. Mqabba are fourth from bottom with five points.
Today's second match from the first round of the FA Trophy (kick-off 3.30 p.m.) pits against each other Naxxar Lions and Xghajra Tornadoes, two clubs who not so long ago were playing in the top flight.
Both have been finding it hard to make an impression in Division One as their respective position in the table amply testifies. The Lions, still possessing some established players such as Edmund Lufi, Paul Sixsmith and Chima Dozie, lie in sixth place, with only seven points from six matches.
Xghajra are in a worse predicament, languishing in ninth position with three points from six games.
The resignation of coach J.J. Aquilina, who has since taken over at Premier League club Marsaxlokk, was another blow for the Tornadoes who will certainly look to lift their flailing spirits with qualification to the second round of the Trophy at the expense of Naxxar.