A pulsating encounter is expected when Harbour View FC meet Portmore United in their first-leg, semi-final clash of the Lynk Cup at the Stadium East field starting at 5:30 pm.

In the curtain-raiser, Cavalier will tackle Dunbeholden in the other semi-final in what is expected to be a mouthwatering contest.

Harbour View, who are defending Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions, will enter today’s game oozing confidence having knocked-off Chapleton Maroons 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round of the competition.

However, they are expected to face a very strong Portmore side, who defeated Molynes United 4-3 on aggregate to cement their place in the last four of the competition.

Clyde Jureidini, general manager of Harbour View, says both teams know each other well and he is expecting an exciting contest over both legs.

“This is a long-standing battle that has always been close and I am expecting it to be no different on Friday,” said Jureidini. “We want to ensure that we can get the lead and stay ahead of Portmore to advance to the final of the competition,” he added.

Harbour View will rest their hopes in the hands of Colorado Murray, Demar Rose, Romaine Brackenridge and Rojay Smith.

However, Portmore United will enter today’s encounter full of confidence having defeated Harbour View twice this season in the JPL.

The Phillip Williams-coached Portmore recently missed out on a spot in the play-offs of the JPL, having finished seventh place.

Romar Beckford, manager of Portmore United, said that once his team stick to their game plan then he expects them to come out on top in both matches.

“These are very critical games for us because we have to ensure that we end the season with at least one cup,” said Beckford. “The aim was the Premier League, but nevertheless, we have to settle for the Lynk Cup, and so will be going all-out to secure this title,” he said.

“Honestly, what we have to do is to stick with the game plan as usual because we have met Harbour View twice this season and we have beaten them twice in both encounters and we are feeling very confident,” Beckford stated.

Portmore United will be depending heavily on the likes of Rodolph Austin, Chavaughn Walsh, Lamar Walker, Emilo Rousseau and Alex Marshall to lead their charge to victory.

Meanwhile, Cavalier secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition after a narrow 2-1 aggregate win over Mount Pleasant Academy in the quarter-finals. Dunbeholden, for their part, booked their place in the last four after their 4-3 sudden death penalty kicks victory over Tivoli Gardens. This after both teams played out an exciting 2-2 draw in both legs.