Title holders Portmore United and former champions Tivoli Gardens FC will square off in today’s tantalising top-of-the-table Red Stripe Premier League contest at Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Game time is 3:00 pm.

Portmore are early leaders in the 12-team league standing with 14 points from seven games, while the visitors Tivoli are only a point behind in second place.

The Shavar Thomas-coached Portmore enter this afternoon’s football clash with the greater momentum, unbeaten in their last five encounters with three wins during that time. So far this season they have lost just one game while recording four victories.

Tivoli, coached by Omar Edwards, started the season strongly but have been in patchy form of late, losing two games and drawing once in their last five outings. But they also have four wins to their name, albeit with two losses.

Despite the contrast in form, today’s game is expected to be keenly contested with the probability of entertaining action, given the decent quality of players on both sides.

In another headline contest, youthful Cavalier FC and exciting upstarts Mount Pleasant Academy lock horns at Stadium East playing field at 5:00 pm.

Cavalier, on average the youngest collection of players in competition, have sparkled on occasions and are deservedly on the coats of the leaders—occupying fourth with 11 points.

Newly promoted Mount Pleasant, armed with financial clout that has attracted some of the country’s top local-based players, have fitted nicely into top-flight football. They are third on 13 points, only trailing Tivoli Gardens due to a marginally inferior goal difference.

Whatever the outcome, football fans can count on a sumptuous affair.

At 3:00 pm, fifth-placed the University of the West Indies FC (11 points) host seventh-placed Waterhouse FC (nine points) at Mona Bowl in St Andrew.

Also at 3:00 pm, former champions FC Reno welcome another promoted team, Dunbeholden FC, to Frome Sports Complex in Westmoreland. Reno are 10th —just above the two relegation places — on seven points, while Dunbeholden, also on seven points, are ninth.

At Effortville Community Centre in Clarendon, two struggling teams are set to battle at 3:00 pm. Hosts Humble Lion FC, 11th on six points, play hosts to former winners Harbour View FC, who are last with five points

In tomorrow’s Monday Night flagship fixture, Arnett Gardens FC clash with visitors Montego Bay United at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 8:35 pm. Arnett are sixth with 10 points, while Montego Bay are eighth, just a point behind.

Today’s games

3:00 pm — Reno vs Dunbeholden @ Frome Complex

3:00 pm — Humble Lion vs Harbour View @ Effortville Centre

3:00 pm — Portmore vs Tivoli Gardens @ Prison Oval

3:00 pm — UWI vs Waterhouse @ Mona Bowl

5:00 pm — Cavalier vs Mount Pleasant @ Stadium East

Tomorrow’s game

8:35 pm — Arnett Gardens vs Montego Bay @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

— Sanjay Myers