Rumble in the Jungle

Humble Lion will face Arnett Gardens in a highly anticipated clash in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at the Anthony Spaulding Complex in Trench Town, St Andrew, today, starting at 6 p.m.

Humble Lion are currently in second position on 45 points in the 12-team RSPL, a point adrift of leaders the University of the West Indies (UWI), who are on 46, while Arnett Gardens are in sixth position on 35 points.

With the top six qualifying for the championship battle at the completion of the third and final preliminary round, both teams will be looking for maximum points.

However, Humble Lion are in an automatic semi-final qualification position and will seek full points in order to step closer to a last-four play-off spot.

 

TOUGH ENCOUNTER

 

With this scenario in mind, a big 'Rumble in the Jungle' is expected, and spectators should brace for end-to-end stuff from the teams.

Coach of Humble Lion, Donovan Duckie, says despite his team having beaten the Junglists twice already this season, he anticipates a tough encounter.

"We asked the team to be consistent, as what we want to do is keep the momentum going. We know that the team has class and good support. We have been unbeaten in the last six games, so the aim is to go there and leave with a positive result," Duckie told The Gleaner yesterday.

"The guys have been working hard, and we know that it is always difficult to play Arnett in the Jungle. We beat them twice, but know they won't play dead tomorrow (Wednesday)," he added.

Meanwhile, Arnett's veteran coach Jerome 'Jerry' Waite says his team is ready to face the Lions inside the Jungle.

"The team is in good stead and ready for a tough challenge against Humble Lion. We are finding the right chemistry, and confident for a win playing at home," Waite said.

 

Today's games

 

- Maverley-Hughenden vs UWI

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Constant Spring Complex

- Jamalco vs Waterhouse

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon

- Tivoli Gardens vs Portmore United

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Edward Seaga Complex

- Arnett Gardens vs Humble Lion

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Anthony Spaulding Complex

 

Tomorrow's game

 

- Reno FC vs Harbour View

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Venue: STETHS Complex

 

 

RSPL standings

 

Teams MP W D L GF GA GD Pts

UWI 24 14 4 6 33 22 11 46

Humble Lion 24 13 6 5 30 15 15 45

MBU 23 13 6 27 17 10 43

Tivoli 23 13 3 7 33 19 14 42

Portmore 24 11 8 5 25 20 5 41

Arnett 24 10 5 9 32 30 2 35

Reno 24 7 7 0 20 24 -4 28

H. View 24 7 6 11 21 30 -9 27

Waterhouse 24 6 5 12 19 23 -4 24

Mav.-Hugh. 24 4 11 9 20 6 -6 23

Jamalco 24 7 2 15 22 33 -11 23

Boys' Town 24 5 4 15 22 45 -23 19