Key matches threaten JPL shake-up

THERE COULD be drastic changes in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) standing at the end of match week 22, depending on how results go in some key matches this weekend.

In the feature game of the round, leaders Mount Pleasant entertain second-place Cavalier at Drax Hall in the top-of-the-table clash at 3:30 p.m.

Mount Pleasant have 46 points, one more than Cavalier after 21 matches, and victory for the St Ann team could push them four points clear at the top of the table, the largest lead at the top since the eighth round of games.

However, victory for former league leaders Cavalier would lift them back to the top of the table after a two-week absence.

In their first meeting, Cavalier defeated the Theodore Whitmore-coached team 2-1 to end their eight-match unbeaten start to the season, which was also the start of Cavalier’s march up the table.

Mount Pleasant stuttered briefly after that defeat to Cavalier, losing three of four games in that run.

However, they have been unbeaten in 10 games, and that run of form has seen them retake the lead at the top of the table from Cavalier.

Rudolph Speid’s Cavalier are undefeated in 14 matches but have not won in two games and will be eager to return to winning ways.

At the JC Ashenheim Stadium, third-place Tivoli and sixth-place Dunbeholden square off in another massive clash.

Tivoli are third on 41 points, and victory on Sunday would see them keep their place in the standings. However, defeat could see them slip down to fifth if Portmore (41) and Arnett (39) win.

Dunbeholden (33) climbed into sixth spot last week following their win over Lime Hall after Waterhouse (30) and Montego Bay United (28) failed to win their games.

RACE FOR SIXTH PLACE

If Waterhouse and MoBay fail to win again this week, and Dunbeholden get three points, they would create more daylight between them and their challengers for the sixth and final playoff spot.

However, if the results are reversed, it would throw the race for sixth place wide open once again.

Meanwhile, at the Ferdie Neita Park, hosts Portmore will be hoping Tivoli drop points, knowing that a win over Waterhouse pushes them one place up to third, ahead of the West Kingston club.

However, Waterhouse know that dropping points at this stage could damage their chance of a playoff spot and will be aiming for nothing but three points.

At Catherine Hall, MoBay will start favourites against Treasure Beach and Neider Dos Santos’ team has a great chance of catching or surpassing Waterhouse and closing the gap on Dunbeholden with a win.

At Effortville Community Centre, Humble Lion take on Vere in the Clarendon Derby. Vere are ninth with 22 points while Humble Lion are 12th with 19 points.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com