League leaders Montego Bay United (MBU) will brace for a fierce showdown against rivals Arnett Gardens FC when they square off in a highly anticipated Jamaica Premier League game at Jarrett Park today.
Five games are set to be play today, with Chapelton Maroons hosting Dunbeholden at Turner’s Oval, Racing awaiting Cavalier’s challenge at Ferdi Neita Park, and Tivoli going to STETHS for a battle against Treasure Beach included.
Those games all begin at 3:30 p.m., with a 7 p.m. fixture between Mount Pleasant and Portmore United closing the evening.
Given the history and rivalry between the two sides, football lovers will have their eyes locked in and can expect a fiercely contested battle.
Assistant coach of MBU Garnett Lawrence acknowledged the magnitude of the encounter, describing it as a tough, must-win matchup regardless of the emotional aspect of facing a former team. Lawrence was also assistant coach to Xavier Gilbert at Arnett. Both moved to MBU at the start of the season.
“It’s basically a rival no matter where it is on the table, they’re a top team. Coming from Arnett as the two coaches, Xavier Gilbert and myself, they are going to be even more willing get the victory over us,” said Lawrence.
MBU enter the contest sitting at the top of the standings with 50 points and will be eager to stretch their advantage with strong performance on home soil.
“Honestly, it’s not something that we think about. It’s another tough game in the season and another tough team. We’re playing a team that wants the victories to come back up in the table, and we want the victory to stay top of the table. So it’s two tough teams going at each other,” said Lawrence.
“I mean, it can only feel pleasing to get the win, you know, knowing that’s our former team, but also, you know, just to get the win and from another tough team would be good,” added Lawrence.
Arnett Gardens, who are eighth in standings on 30 points, have their own ambitions. The former champions are pushing to climb the table and know that a positive result against the league leaders could significantly boost their campaign.
In their last encounter, MBU edged the ‘Junglists’, Arnett, 1-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Complex in Kingston.
Despite a home advantage, Lawrence acknowledges Arnett’s better away performance and MBU’s ongoing adjustment to a new pitch.
“I wouldn’t say home advantage, because, as we know they are not playing good at home so far, but they’re not bad away this season. We do have a little better away advantage playing away than home,” Lawrence said, noting the team is still getting settled and understanding the pitch at Jarrett Park.
“The team is in good state. The players and their mindset is there, so it is just for them to execute today,” added Lawrence.
Today’s games
Chapelton vs Dunbeholden at Turner’s Oval – 3:30 p.m.
MBU vs Arnett Gardens at Jarrett Park – 3: 30 p.m.
Racing vs Cavalier at Ferdi Neita Park – 3:30 p.m.
Treasure Beach vs Tivoli at STETHS – 3:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant vs Portmore at Drax Hall Sports Complex – 7 p.m.
Tomorrow’s games
Molynes vs Harbour View at Drewland Mini Stadium – 5 p.m.
Waterhouse vs Spanish Town Police at Drewland Mini Stadium – 7:30 p.m.
