THE battle for two berths in next season’s Digicel Premier League (DPL) football competition will resume this afternoon following its forced postponement last week.

League leaders Reno FC face Meadows at Frome Complex, while Cavalier entertain Benfica at the UWI Bowl. Both games are set to begin at 1:30 pm.

Reno sit atop the standings with maximum six points, followed by Cavalier and Meadows on three, with Cavalier ahead on goal difference. Benfica are yet to get off the mark.

Reno will start favourites playing at home and will be expected to consolidate their lead, but coach Wendell Downswell is not taking his opponents lightly.

“Despite the fact that they lost to Cavalier, I still believe they are a formidable opposition. But the fact that this is our home game, we’ll be looking to exploit all the advantages to get three points,” he said.

“However, there is no room for complacency, just like how we have played the other teams, we will stay just as positive in our approach,” he added.

The Spanish Town-based Meadows know defeat could be detrimental to their chances of qualifying, but coach Christopher Russell is confident they will come away with a positive result.

“We’re going down there very positive and it’s a game which we have to get a point from..,” Russell stated.

Meanwhile, Cavalier will look to consolidate their position when they take on struggling Benfica.

Coach Lamar Morgan said although they were just finding their rhythm in the play-off series when the tournament came to a sudden halt last week He believes this nonetheless gave his team a chance to heal a few niggling injuries.

But with their opponents down and almost out, he expects his team to give it their all in this match.

“Based on their form they are not playing well now, but they need something, so they’re coming to fight. But our objective is to win the game… as that would put us in a good position,” he added.

Any result other than a win could all but eliminate the St Ann side, but club president Tyrone Rose is not yet throwing in the towel and is confident his team can turn the cormer despite their miserable start.

He noted that the break in the tournament gave his team some time to sharpen up their shooting skills.

“We’ve not been outplayed, but we’re not scoring any goals, so we have had a chance to work on that. So (the postponement) would have been beneficial to us, as it gave us more time to prepare for this game,” he said.

He pointed out that they have four games remaining, including two at home, and his players are more focused and determined than ever.

“We’re not out as yet… but if we want it, I think we will come out the winner,” he said.