Champions, potential usurpers to meet at Jarrett Park

Defending champions Cavalier travel to Jarrett Park to face league leaders Montego Bay United in the feature match of today’s round of Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) matches, starting at 3:30 p.m.

In other games, Chapelton play Treasure Beach at Turner’s Oval, Molynes go up against Racing at Constant Spring, and Spanish Town Police entertain Harbour View at Royal Lakes Complex. All starting at 3:30 p.m.

In the late game, Waterhouse take on Tivoli in the cross-town derby at Drewsland Mini Stadium at 7 p.m.

After their post-Hurricane Melissa slump, MoBay have regained their momentum and are once again the form team of the league.

They have been unbeaten since the start of the year, a run of games spanning eight matches, inclusive of six wins.

Cavalier, on the other hand, ended their worst run in the league in over eight years, a stretch of four straight defeats, with a win over Spanish Town Police last weekend.

Cavalier’s poor run of results have seen them slip out of the top six to seventh on 29 points, one behind sixth-place Waterhouse and fifth-place Arnett.

Assistant coach Colin Wilson said they know they are in for a tough contest but believe in the young players to get them back in the playoff positions.

“We look forward to the game on the weekend. We travel to MoBay, and we have spoke to the guys and told them we have to be in the top six.

“We have the youngsters coming out of Manning Cup and they have the hunger to show what they’ve got for the Premier League,” he commented.

MoBay lead the league on 49 points, seven more than Racing in second and Portmore in third and eight ahead of Mount Pleasant in fourth.

Despite experiencing contrasting form to Cavalier, MoBay coach Xavier Gilbert is not, for a second, taking his opponents lightly.

“Cavalier is a team, trust me, they know how to find results, no matter how bad you see they look.

“They don’t have the same quality players for sure and it will take some time for them to get it right.

“Nevertheless, they are a tough opposition and we anticipate that. Hopefully, we can continue our good vein of form. We haven’t lost a game since January and we want to continue that,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Drewsland, the home team Waterhouse, with new coach in tow, will look to continue their rise up the table.

The team, under Argentine Javier Ainstein, have won four on the trot and have climbed into the top six for the first time, as a result.

They face a Tivoli team that have won only once in their last seven matches. Although Tivoli with the wily Nickalia Fuller are always a threat, Waterhouse based on current form will start as favourites for this game.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Chapelton vs Treasure Beach at Turner’s Oval – 3:30 p.m.

Molynes vs Racing at Constant Spring – 3:30 p.m.

MoBay vs Cavalier at Jarrett Park – 3:30 p.m.

Spanish Town Police vs Harbour View at Royal Lakes Complex – 3:30 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Tivoli at Waterhouse Mini Stadium – 7 p.m.

Monday’s Game

Arnett vs Portmore at Anthony Spaulding Complex – 7 30 p.m.