The two top dogs in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) Montego Bay United and Racing United meet to headline this afternoon round of matches, at Ferdi Neita Park at 3 p.m.
In another heavyweight matchup, Arnett Gardens take on Tivoli Gardens at Stadium East while, Molynes play Chapelton at Waterhouse Stadium, Dunbeholden host Waterhouse at Dunbeholden Sports Complex, Treasure Beach entertain Mount Pleasant at STETHS, and Harbour View go up against Portmore at Harbour View Mini Stadium. All games start at 3 p.m.
Montego Bay United lead the JPL standings on 45 points, eight points clear of Racing in second.
Both teams have enjoyed a healthy unbeaten stretch, with the leaders on a run of seven games, which include six wins.
Their opponents, Racing, have an even more impressive stretch. They have an undefeated run lasting 13 games, spanning the entire second round.
Their only loss this season came at the hands of Montego Bay, who came away 3-1 winners last October.
MoBay have been running back into form, following their post Hurricane Melissa challenges, with six wins in their last seven, and are in no threat of losing top spot even with a loss.
However, Racing have been finding wins hard to come by despite not losing for such a long time.
In their last nine games, the Anthony Patrick-coached team have picked up seven draws and just two wins.
They are two points ahead of Mount Pleasant and Portmore, both on 36 points, and although they have held second spot for a long time, any further draws could see them slipping down the standings.
At Stadium East, it will be another episode in the ‘Clash of the Gardens’. The two teams are having their fair share of struggles this season, but are still challenging the top six.
Tivoli sit higher in the table in fifth on 28 points, while Arnett are two points adrift in seventh.
Tivoli are on a run of four matches unbeaten, while Arnett have lost two of their last five, but the latter’s coach, Philip Williams, says form goes out the window when these teams meet.
“It’s the ‘Clash of the ‘Gardens’ and where form is concerned that spells no sense when these teams meet. Always a great game and we are looking forward to it,” he said.
A win for Arnett would lift them above Tivoli on goal difference and Williams acknowledges the significance of getting three points.
“It doesn’t matter who we are playing or where we play, in terms of where we want to be, we have to gather the three points,” he stated.
Tivoli coach Jerome Waite knows what to expect when these teams meet, but pointed to improvements they must make.
“They (Arnett) are a good team. They have been working assiduously. We have also been working and we know it will be a clash of the titans.
“Concentration and decision-making, those are things that are preventing us from winning so many games.
“We have a lot more games to play. Things can only get better. We just have to continue to work as it relates to training and see how we can find the best chemistry and players who really want to score goals,” said Waite.
Today’s Games
Tivoli vs Arnett at Stadium East – 3 p.m.
Racing vs MoBay at Ferdi Neita Park – 3 p.m.
Molynes vs Chapelton at Waterhouse – 3 p.m.
Dunbeholden vs Waterhouse at Dunbeholden – 3 p.m.
Treasure Beach vs Mount Pleasant at STETHS – 3 p.m.
Harbour View vs Portmore at Compound – 3 p.m.
