CHAMPIONSHIP aspirants Cavalier FC and Arnett Gardens FC are expected to produce fireworks when they meet in the second game of a double-header at Constant Spring, in the first leg of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League this afternoon.

Two points separated the teams at the end of the regular season a week ago, and the meeting between both is expected to be close and exciting as they completed the first round in second and third place, respectively.

In the opening game at the venue, defending champions Frazsiers Whip FC, who topped the tables, will meet fourth-placed Los Perfectos FC. Frazsiers Whip are expected to prevail over the two legs and qualify for the final.

Cavalier and Arnett Gardens FC had drawn both games 2-2 in the first round, and there was very little to separate them statistically. But for a last-minute, 1-1 result against Frazsiers Whip FC, Arnett Gardens could have finished ahead of Cavalier.

Arnett Gardens led 1-0 deep into time added before a stunning free kick from Shaneil Buckley salvaged a draw for Frazsiers Whip, ending their season-long perfect win streak.

Despite the result, Arnett Gardens FC’s confidence will be boosted as they take on Cavalier who scored two goals fewer and conceded four more than the south St Andrew-based club.

Shikira Douglas is to lead the Arnett Gardens FC attack, coming off scoring six against Real MoBay AFC last weekend to take her tally to 37 goals. Tuanashae Hamilton and Briana Crosby are also expected to feature prominently in the goal hunt.

Cavalier were beaten 2-6 by Frazsiers Whip two weeks ago but they will still take strong credentials into the game. Shanel Spence, who has scored 33 times this season, will be expected to lead the attack.

After dominating the league — scoring 133 goals in 20 games and conceding only nine — Frazsiers Whip will be overwhelming favourites against Los Perfectos FC. They beat Los Perfectos 7-1 in the first round and 2-0 in the second round.

The Mandeville-based Los Perfectos FC won 13 games during the season, five more than fifth-placed Wifi United, but they enter this afternoon’s game on the back of a 1-1 result against last-placed Springers United.

Frazsiers Whip FC’s Davia Richards led all scorers in the regular season with 40 goals. She outscored seven of the 11 teams by herself and will lead the attack against a team that has conceded 23 goals this season.

— Paul A Reid