The leading four sides in the 360 Sports Malta Premier are in action this weekend.
Leaders Birkirkara face Naxxar Lions on Saturday, aiming to maintain their grip at the top.
For a few hours at least, the chasing pack have the chance to reduce that gap.
Six points adrift in second place Floriana are just a single point in front of Sliema Wanderers ahead of their early kick-off this evening at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
A further point behind are Hibernians who later this evening play Balzan.
Depending on the results, Birkirkara will retain a healthy lead at the top but the chasing pack of Floriana, Sliema and Hibernians could become even tighter.
A win for Floriana would see them open a four point gap over Sliema while Hibernians could leapfrog Sliema with a win over Balzan. Should Floriana and Sliema end in a draw and Hibernians beat Balzan, it would see Floriana and Hibernians level on 20 points apiece ahead of Sliema. On the other hand, a win for Sliema would see them climb above Floriana and stay above Hibernians.
It is getting tight at the top as the first round matches near their conclusion.
