TOP-FLIGHT football returns to the island’s pitches this weekend, with a full programme scheduled in the Premier League.
Taking the Canada Life-sponsored competition’s top billing is the relegation ‘12-pointer’ between RYCOB and Gymns at Scooil Ree Gorree.
Kieron Iveagh’s Tromode outfit currently sit second bottom and one point behind Youthie and Premier League safety.
Victory in the northern capital would see the Douglas side overhaul their opponents in the league and reignite the club’s survival hopes.
Three points for George Kermode and Lee Christian’s home side would see them open a four-point buffer over Gymns, something that might become vital with the Tromode side having played two less games than them.
Youthie won the reverse fixture 3-1 and will go into the encounter confident of claiming something, especially if their university contingent is still on-shore.
Gymns will be boosted by the return from long-term injury of Mark Connor, but with both sides evenly matched this could end in a draw, which maybe of more benefit to the visitors.
Second-placed DHSOB will be looking for revenge when they host Corinthians at Blackberry Lane.
The Whites inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Colin Purvis’s men in September’s first meeting at Ballafletcher.
Old Boys stuttered against Colby in the FA Cup last weekend but will know they can’t afford to slip up again if they are to have any realistic chance of usurping St George’s at the table’s summit.
Another cracker should be served up at the Bowl where St Mary’s welcome Peel.
The Saints showed in the Railway Cup final they can mix it with the best and may have the edge over a Peel side who haven’t played since early December.
A close game could also be in prospect at the Stadium where Castletown take on St John’s. Both teams scored good cup wins last week, the Saints will, however, go into this one as marginal favourites, but only if they keep former striker Mark Wolfenden under wraps.
Top four sides Rushen and Laxey will be hopeful of a maximum yield from their trips to Ayre and Ramsey respectively. Both teams, however, will have to ensure they do a professional job against always spirited opponents.