The enticing encounter between Portmore United and visitors Montego Bay United — both former champions — will feature at Spanish Town Prison Oval on this afternoon’s 10th match day of the 2017-18 Red Stripe Premier League season.

Losing finalists in the last two seasons, Portmore most recently lifted the title in 2011-12. Despite losing two of their previous five games in this campaign, they are off to a decent start overall, holding second position in the 12-team standing with 17 points from nine matches.

Montego Bay, winners in 2015-16, have been inconsistent this season as they endure the pains of transition, with new players filling the void left by several seasoned regulars. Wins in three of their last five outings have lifted them to eighth place with 11 points.

They could also draw some encouragement from their last title-winning campaign when they defeated Portmore in the final. Last time out Montego Bay clipped Waterhouse 1-0, while Portmore played out a goalless draw with champions Arnett Gardens.

In another encounter, nominal hosts Boys’ Town FC welcome Tivoli Gardens FC to Barbican Sports Complex. Boys’ Town are struggling in 11th place — one of two relegation places — with six points, while resurgent Tivoli Gardens are fourth with 15 points.

At Frome Sports Complex in Westmoreland, fifth-placed Reno FC (15 points) host seventh-placed Cavalier SC (12 points).

At Effortville Community Centre in Clarendon, ninth-placed Humble Lion FC, who are on eight points, entertain 10th placed Waterhouse FC (seven points).

Hosts University of the West Indies (UWI) FC, who have suffered a dip in form of late, will be anxious to regain confidence when they tackle cellar team Sandals South Coast FC.

UWI, winners of only one game in their last five, are third with 15 points, while RSPL newcomers Sandals have six points. However, the Westmoreland-based team will be boosted by winning their first game in the nation’s top flight in their last outing.

All games today are slated to kick off at 3:00 pm.

The RSPL continues tomorrow with Monday night action at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex between hosts Arnett Gardens and former winners Harbour View FC.

Title-holders Arnett, who remain the only unbeaten team this season, are out front with 19 points, while Harbour View are sixth with 13 points. Play is set to begin 8:35 pm.

— Sanjay Myers