The Closing Round of the 360Sports Malta Premier begins this weekend, with all teams resetting to zero points after the conclusions of the Opening Round. The competition now splits into the Top 6 and Bottom 6 groups, with each team vying for different objectives—whether it be securing silverware, chasing European spots, or avoiding relegation.
Żabbar St Patrick v Sliema Wanderers
Saturday’s opening fixture sees Żabbar St Patrick host Sliema Wanderers at the National Stadium. St Patrick endured a challenging Opening Round, struggling in the initial phase before recovering slightly to finish third from the bottom in the Bottom 6. Sliema, on the other hand, enjoyed a largely successful campaign, securing third place in both the initial phase and the Top 6 standings.
The sides have met once this season, with Sliema emerging 2-0 victors. Kick-off is at 14:00.
Melita v Hibernians
Later on Saturday, Melita face Hibernians at the National Stadium. Despite falling short of the Top 6 by just three points, Melita’s Opening Round was commendable. However, a dip in form during the Bottom 6 phase saw them slip behind Marsaxlokk. Hibernians, meanwhile, maintained their consistency, finishing fourth in the Top 6 standings and now aiming for further improvement in the Closing Round.
In their sole meeting this season, Hibernians secured a 2-0 victory. Saturday’s clash kicks off at 16:15.
Mosta v Gżira United
Mosta, the surprise package of the Opening Round, begin their Closing Round campaign against Gżira United at the Centenary Stadium. Mosta impressed early on, clinching a Top 6 spot with games to spare, but their form dipped, collecting just three points in the second phase and finishing sixth. Gżira, narrowly missing out on a Top 6 spot, will aim to redeem themselves in the Closing Round.
The teams met earlier this season, with Gżira winning 2-0. The match starts at 19:00.
Floriana v Naxxar Lions
Sunday begins with a clash between Floriana and Naxxar Lions at the Tony Bezzina Stadium. Floriana dominated the Opening Round, finishing top of the standings and establishing themselves as title contenders. Conversely, Naxxar endured a dismal campaign, finishing bottom of the Bottom 6, and now face the prospect of relegation if they cannot improve in the Closing Round.
Floriana claimed a 2-0 win in their earlier meeting this season. The match begins at 13:00.
Marsaxlokk v Ħamrun Spartans
Later on Sunday, Marsaxlokk take on reigning champions Ħamrun Spartans at the Tony Bezzina Stadium. Marsaxlokk have shown signs of resurgence under coach Enzo Potenza, but early-season struggles kept them in the Bottom 6. Meanwhile, Ħamrun barely secured their Top 6 spot with a last-gasp goal but finished strongly, winning three matches in the second phase.
Marsaxlokk edged a thrilling 3-2 victory in their previous encounter. Kick-off is at 15:15.
Birkirkara v Balzan
The weekend concludes with Birkirkara hosting Balzan at the Tony Bezzina Stadium. Birkirkara started the season strongly and looked set to dominate the Top 6 but were eventually overtaken by Floriana. Balzan, on the other hand, struggled throughout the Opening Round and finished second from bottom in the Bottom 6, even enduring a managerial change.
The sides shared a dramatic 3-3 draw in their first meeting this season. Sunday’s match begins at 19:00.
With the stakes higher than ever, the Closing Round promises intense action as teams fight for glory, European qualification, or survival.
