JPL’s front runners to continue jostling for lead

Over the course of the first round in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), the top six teams have constantly changed positions, with five at the summit for some period.

Today, in the last round of games for 2024, this trend could continue, with four of the top six teams set to play each other.

At Drewsland Mini Stadium, leaders Mount Pleasant (31 points) go up against fifth-place Waterhouse (26) at 6 p.m., and fourth-place Cavalier (26) take on sixth place Portmore United (22) at Ferdi Neita Park at 3 p.m.

For the last five rounds, Mount Pleasant have held the number-one spot in the table. However, if they do not win today, their time at the summit will almost certainly come to an end, with Arnett (30) waiting in the wings.

Mount Pleasant’s first-round contest against Waterhouse at Drax Hall ended goalless, and although Waterhouse will now be at home, they are still trying to rediscover their best form, with just one win in their last five matches.

Mount Pleasant are on their best run this season, with five wins from their last five matches, and will go to Drewsland full of confidence.

Arnett, the team best positioned to take advantage of any slip-up by Mount Pleasant, will have a less daunting task against Chapelton (15) at home.

However, coach Xavier Gilbert is unsure of what to expect from his players in the height of the festive season.

Gilbert admitted that it has been difficult keeping the players in the best physical shape for football with them engaged in so many different activities.

“Players have families. Some are fathers, some are helping to fix up homes, some are doing shopping, painting, cleaning. Then there are social events they go to. So they are doing all sorts of things. So the body itself is not in the best condition,” he reasoned.

He said playing two games in the Christmas period is really a stretch and asked the organisers to consider this in the future.

“Our nature, our culture is different and during this time, we know players will be engaged and will not be in the best physical health to play,” Gilbert said

Nevertheless, he said they have advised the players on how best to preserve themselves and that they will be doing everything to get full points at home.

“All we can do is educate them to get some rest and stay off their legs as much as possible. I told them to drink lots of water and that they may not feel for the water, but in terms of things that they might consume, water is extremely important.

“Chapelton are on a high. They defeated the Caribbean champions (Cavalier), and they have been smart in terms of their approach.

“The good thing is that we will be at home, and, hopefully, we can use that to our advantage and get maximum points,” he said.

Back-to-back wins for the first time this season shot Chapelton (15) up the table into eighth, and new coach Jermaine Douglas will be hopeful of making it three straight.

“Life under a new coach sometimes brings good results. The last time we played them we drew (1-1), and they took the lead. So we know it is not going to be easy. We have to pull out all the stops and make sure we get on the scoresheet,” Gilbert added.

Meanwhile, Portmore, who are looking to break a five-match winless streak, will have a difficult task changing their fortunes against champions Cavalier, who have got some much-needed rest and are looking to close in on the front two.

MoBay United (28) are also well positioned to take advantage if any points are dropped.

They will fancy their chances of victory over all the other top six teams as their opponents, Harbour View (12), are spiralling down the table, with just one win in their last 11 games and just two points above the relegation zone.

The other game between Vere Phoenix (13) and Molynes (10) can go either way. However, Vere will start slight favourites playing at home. Dunbeholden (14) will also start favourites against Racing (14) in their Portmore derby.

Tivoli Gardens (16), with three wins from their last four games, will be confident of another three points against Humble Lion (10), who have not won in seven matches.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

TODAY”S MATCHES

3 p.m. Dunbeholden FC vs Racing United at Dunbeholden

3 p.m. Portmore United vs Cavalier SC at Ferdi Neita Park

6 p.m. Waterhouse FC vs Mount Pleasant at Drewsland Mini Stadium

3 p.m. Harbour View FC vs MoBay United at Harbour View Mini Stadium

3 p.m. Vere Phoenix vs Molynes United at Wembley Centre of Excellence

4:30 p.m. Tivoli Gardens FC vs Humble Lions at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

7 p.m. Arnett Gardens vs Chapelton Maroons at Anthony Spaulding Complex