Jamaica Premier League (JPL) leaders Montego Bay United can stretch their lead atop the standings to nine points when they take on Tivoli Gardens at Jarrett Park at 3:30 p.m. in one of two matches on today.
In the other game, Racing United have a chance to reclaim third spot, albeit on goal difference, with a win against Molynes United at Ferdi Neita Park, also at 3:30 p.m.
On Sunday, MoBay turned in a statement performance with a sound 4-1 win over top-six contenders Racing.
However, the western standard-bearers have another tricky fixture today against the west Kingston-based Tivoli, who boosted their top-six aspirations with a 2-0 win over Dunbeholden in their last match.
Tivoli are 10th in the table on 44 points, eight behind sixth-placed Cavalier, and, with only four matches (five for Tivoli), they need to win to stay in contention for a play-off spot.
However, MoBay are riding high and Coach Xavier Gilbert’s remains wary of the desperation for points at this stage of the season.
“It’s the business end of the season. So everybody comes out hard, and, especially when they are playing the leaders, people sharpen up and are motivated.
“We are mindful of that and we want to solidify our place in the top two. Hopefully, we can secure maximum points,” he said.
At Ferdi Neita, Racing have slipped from second to fifth in the last few weeks, but can move back into third, on goal difference, if they can get the points against Molynes.
However, the St Catherine team have lost two of their last three matches and have not won in eight matches.
Molynes, although battling relegation and sitting just two points above the drop zone on 33 points, are on a high after consecutive victories over Spanish Town Police (9-0) and Arnett (3-0), and will fancy their chance of getting a result.
The league also continues on Thursday, with a key fixture between seventh-placed Arnett Gardens (56) and sixth-placed Cavalier (52) in a direct battle for sixth spot.
Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor said a win tomorrow would virtually seal their place in the play-offs.
“We were preparing for Arnett,” he said after a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation strugglers Spanish Town Police on Monday.
“The game ahead of us now, the Arnett game, is the all-important game. I think, if we get past this Arnett team, we should be good,” he stated.
Chapelton Maroons will also be looking to keep their top-six hopes alive when they travel to Drax Hall to face Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant (62) and MoBay (68) have already secured their play-off berth and are only focused on cementing their places in the top two.
However, Chapelton (46) need three points to stay in the hunt and will have their work cut out getting maximum points from the Caribbean champions.
Today’s Games
Racing vs Molynes at Ferdi Neita Park – 3:30 p.m.
MoBay vs Tivoli at Jarrett Park – 3:30 p.m.
Tomorrow’s Games
Spanish Town Police vs Portmore at Royal Lakes Complex – 3:30 p.m.
Dunbeholden vs Harbour View at Drewsland – 4:30 p.m.
Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach at Drewsland – 7 p.m.
Mount Pleasant vs Chapelton at Drax Hall – 7 p.m.
Arnett vs Cavalier at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex – 7 p.m.
