When former champions Montego Bay United travel to St Andrew to play The University of the West Indies (UWI) FC, it could be an emotional rollercoaster for Fabian McCarthy, but more importantly, it could be seen as a meeting between two teams going in opposite directions.

McCarthy, who was an integral cog in the rise of Montego Bay United to powerhouse status in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL), has made the move to UWI this season in probably the most significant transfer this summer.

McCarthy, 27, has won two titles with Montego Bay, but today he plays against them. His current team is on the up and is quietly tipped to be the next champion of the premier league.

The Mona-based UWI are second in the standing on seven points, while former champions Montego Bay United are struggling in 10th spot on one point from three games.

UWI, in only their third season of top-flight action, are playing some attractive football. The same can’t be said of a Montego Bay United team that won two of the last four titles.

McCarthy has brought a calming influence in the heart of midfield and, along with new signees Ryan Miller and Oshane Jenkins from Cavalier, UWI have looked significantly stronger.

UWI will start favourites to win with quality all over the pitch. They have competent goalkeeper Amal Knight, along with Rochane Smith, Jamie Robinson, Taniel McKenzie, Deno Schaffe, Jerondy Henry, Anthony Greenland, Patrick Brown, Kemar Flemmings, Dravian Williams. Goal poacher Girvon Brown will look to add to his tally.

Montego Bay United will be hoping that the likes of Dwayne Ambusley, Keniel Kirlew, Lesly St Fluer, John Barrett, Jermaine Woozencroft, Odane Nish, and Hietolah Gardner can stop their two-game losing slump.

Leaders Portmore United (seven points) travel to Drewsland to face sixth-placed Waterhouse FC (three points) at 3:30 pm. It should be a tough encounter for both teams, but the edge must be given to in-form Portmore United who went to the last two premier league finals.

The Effortville Community Centre in Clarendon should be buzzing with excitement as champions Arnett Gardens FC visit a wounded but dangerous Humble Lion FC. Arnett are third on seven points, while Humble Lion are eighth on three points.

Humble Lion have lost their last two games and will be eager to rebound, especially against the team that knocked them out of the play-offs last season. It should be an exciting encounter worth driving miles to see.

The two promoted teams, Cavalier SC and Sandals South Coast FC, clash at Frome. Cavalier are ninth on three points, while Sandals are at the bottom on a point. Cavalier picked up their first win last week, beating Montego Bay United 2-0, while Sandals collected their first point in top-flight football after playing to a 0-0 result with Harbour View FC.

Another match today pits Boys’ Town FC against Reno FC at the Barbican field. Reno are fourth with seven points, while the ‘Red Brigades’ are seventh on three points.

Tomorrow night Tivoli Gardens FC tackle Harbour View at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 8:35 pm. Harbour View are fifth on five points, while Tivoli Gardens are 11th on a point from three games.

Today’s games

Boys’ Town vs Reno @ Barbican

Humble Lion vs Arnett Gardens @ Effortville Centre

Sandals South Coast vs Cavalier @ Frome

UWI vs Montego Bay @ Mona Bowl

Waterhouse vs Portmore @ Drewsland

All games to start 3:30 pm

Tomorrow’s game

Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View @ Anthony Spaulding Complex