Three teams, one spot.

That is the scenario heading into the Jamaica Premier League’s final match day of regular season, with Waterhouse FC, Dunbeholden FC and Portmore United all seeking to seal play-off berth.

Beyond that, things also appear interesting where the top-three teams are concerned, as only two will secure automatic semi-final berths, which means efficient execution will be the order of today’s encounters.

All games are scheduled for 3:15 pm kick-offs, except the battle of the relegated teams Chapelton Maroons and Faulkland, which is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

The most intriguing encounters of the day pits seventh-placed Waterhouse (38 points) against fifth-placed Humble Lion (41 points); sixth-placed Dunbeholden (38 points) against third-placed Mount Pleasant FA (46 points) and eighth-placed Portmore United (37 points) against ninth-placed Molynes United (30 points).

These games take on added significance for more reasons that one, as they will not only decide the final placing heading into the play-offs, but also promise some good brand of football, given the rivalry between the respective teams.

The other contest will see second-placed Cavalier (46 points) away to 10th-placed Montego Bay United (26 points); fourth-placed Harbour View (43 points) up against 12th-placed Vere United (20 points) and leaders Arnett Gardens (52 points) at home to 11th-placed Tivoli Gardens (22 points).

While a victory doesn’t guarantee that Waterhouse will make the play-off, Assistant Coach Damion Gordon, who has been at the helm in Marcel Gayle’s absence, is well aware that it would put them in a decent position to do so, provided Mount Pleasant takes Dunbeholden’s scalp.

So the task of the Drewsland-based team is clear, but will by no means be easy, even at home, against Andrew Price’s Humble Lion outfit which is seeking to gather momentum heading into the play-off.

The same is true for Dunbeholden, who also require victory over Mount Pleasant to solidify their hold on the final play-off spot. However, with Mount Pleasant a mere three points adrift of Cavalier, Theodore Whitemore’s side, currently on a five-match unbeaten run, will also have victory on their minds while hoping Cavalier falters in their encounter.

Should both Dunbeholden and Waterhouse lose or even draw with their opponents, then the Phillip Williams-coached Portmore United could sneak into the final play-off spot, but they will have to do something they failed to do in their last three games — win.

On paper, Portmore United can be given the edge against out-of-contention Molynes United, but will be mindful that Alex Thomas’s side is no walkover and that is a point they will certainly want to prove, so Williams and company should expect no favours.

Like Humble Lion, Ludlow Bernard’s Harbour View will be aiming to bounce back from a recent loss and throw down a good performance against Vere United for consistency purposes as they gear up for play-off action.

Meanwhile, Arnett Gardens, who are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run, could extend that rich vein of form heading into the business end of the league with victory over neighbours Tivoli Gardens, who, on the other hand, will be hoping to end what has been a miserable season on a high.

Today’s games

1:00 pm: Faukland vs Chapelton Maroons @ WesPow Park

3:15 pm: Montego Bay United vs Cavaliers @ WesPow Park

3:15 pm: Waterhouse vs Humble Lion @ Waterhouse Stadium

3:15 pm: Molynes United vs Portmore United @ Spanish Town Prison Oval

3:15 pm: Harbour View vs Vere United @ Edward Seaga Complex

3:15 pm: Dunbeholden vs Mount Pleasant @ Ferdie Neita Park

3:15 pm: Arnett Gardens vs Tivoli Gardens @ Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex