Tivoli and Racing in crucial JPL clash
Former champions Tivoli Gardens and promoted Racing United will meet at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex on Sunday in a third round Jamaica Premier League game that could help decide a spot in the play-offs.
One point separates the teams with Tivoli Gardens, on the back of three straight wins, occupying the last spot in the play-off race on 42 points but Racing United have two games in hand.
Four games are scheduled for Sunday, including second-placed Montego Bay United visiting Humble Lion at Effortville Community Centre.
Portmore United seek to sweep their season meetings with Chapelton Maroons while Dunbeholden FC seek to make amends against last placed Vere United.
The teams meeting at the Edward Seaga Complex have split their first two meetings this season, with Tivoli winning the first game 1-0 and Racing United — who are unbeaten over their last 12 games — winning the second round game 2-0.
Tivoli Gardens will go into the game with momentum, having won three straight during which they scored 10 of their 51 goals. However, they face a well-rested Racing United team that will be playing for the first time in 10 days.
Anthony Nelson is a striker in form, scoring five times in Tivoli Gardens’ last three games and the Racing United defenders will have to pay special attention to him.
The Anthony Patrick-coached Racing will not be overawed and have earned points from play-off bound teams Montego Bay United and Arnett Gardens in recent games and are expected to take the game to Tivoli Gardens.
Montego Bay United are coming off a big 5-0 win over Molynes United on Thursday and should start favourites against an inconsistent Humble Lion team that has alternated between winning and losing their last six games.
Humble Lion are in 13th place and, while avoiding relegation is still a possibility, they are running out of games and must start picking up points on a consistent basis.
Montego Bay have an abundance of talent and, with coach Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis’ plan to keep rotating his players, Brian Brown – who came off the bench in their last three games after a lengthy injury lay off — could return to the starting team to accompany Jourdain Fletcher and Owayne Owens in attack. It might still be too soon for Shaniel Thomas who was taken to a medical facility after injuring his shoulder in a 2-2 draw with Arnett Gardens on Monday and missed the win over Molynes on Thursday.
Portmore United, who are seeking a fourth straight win, are expected to beat Chapelton Maroons who are coming off a win, especially with home advantage at Ferdie Neita Park.
Portmore have allowed one goal in their last four games and face a Chapelton team that have scored four times in their last six games.
Both Vere United and Dunbeholden FC, who have lost their last five games, will be desperate for a win in a game that promises a ‘dog eat dog’ approach by both teams. Despite being in ninth place, Dunbeholden FC are not safe from relegation and are only eight points above the drop zone and must pick up points from teams that are below them in the tables.
Games on Sunday-
Humble Lion vs MoBay United- Effortville 3:30pm
Tivoli Gardens vs Racing United- Edward Seaga Complex 3:30pm
Portmore United vs Chapelton Maroons- Ferdie Neita Park 3:30pm