THE encounter between the two former champions Portmore United and Harbour View FC at Juici Park in Clarendon is expected to be the highlight of today’s matches in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) as the competition enters match day nine.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm.

Portmore, previously national champions in the 2011-12 season, are second in the 12-team league table with 15 points from eight games. Though jumping from the starting blocks to lead the standing a few rounds ago, Portmore have won only one of their previous five games.

But on a whole the story so far has been positive.

Since returning to top-flight football action in September after a season in the lower tier, the Jeffrey Hewitt-coached team has lost only once, while tasting victory four times. Portmore, currently using Clarendon as their base, have only scored seven goals, but their defence has let in a miserly three goals.

The 2012-13 champions Harbour View, who generally had a miserable time last season, are currently seventh with 10 points. The ‘Stars of the East’ have lost two games, won two and drawn four in an inconsistent start to the season.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Ludlow Bernard, they too have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only seven goals while conceding nine.

In another much-anticipated match-up, the struggling Kingston & St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) duo of Waterhouse FC and Boys’ Town FC lock horns at the Drewsland Stadium, starting 3:00 pm.

Waterhouse are in 11th place with seven points, while visitors Boys’ Town are ninth with nine. Despite both wallowing near the base, the rivalry between the teams is healthy and football fans can expect a hard-fought contest.

Also at 3:00 pm, eighth-placed Rivoli United (10 points) welcome sixth-placed Tivoli Gardens FC (11 points) to the Spanish Town Prison Oval.

In yet another game starting 3:00 pm, newly promoted University of the West Indies FC entertain FC Reno at the Mona Bowl playing field. UWI are in last place with seven points, while Reno are fourth with 12.

In the only 5:00 pm start of the day, 10th-placed Cavalier SC (eight points) host fifth placed Humble Lion FC (12 points) at Stadium East.

The flagship RSPL Monday Night live televised game between the 2013-14 winners Montego Bay United and reigning champions Arnett Gardens FC, beginning at 8:40 pm at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, is expected to be a true spectacle.

Montego Bay, who lost 0-2 to Arnett Gardens in last season’s final, are top of the pile this season with 17 points after romping to five victories, drawing twice, and only losing once.

Arnett Gardens have lost twice in their previous five outings, but remain close to the early pacesetters, lying third with 13 points. Spectators can expect an attacking approach from both teams.