AN intriguing battle looms between two former champions when Round 18 of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) rolls off today.

Tivoli Gardens FC, who last won the national club title three seasons ago, are desperate to improve on their seventh-placed position when they welcome Waterhouse FC to the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in the 5:00 pm kick-off.

Waterhouse, whose most recent hold on the Premier League trophy dates back to the 2005-06 season, are in third spot on 25 points from 17 games, only four ahead of Tivoli.

The two rivals, who have both shown inconsistent form throughout the campaign so far, had contrasting results in the last round of matches.

Waterhouse were held 0-0 away to Rivoli United FC at Drax Hall in St Ann — miles away from their usual base in St Catherine, in a move said to be aimed at maximising gate receipt and also at spreading top-flight football to fans in other parishes.

In one other such move, Tivoli Gardens edged a 2-1 win over designated hosts Boys’ Town FC at the St Elizabeth Technical High School field.

Such is the nature of a tightly packed league standing that there are only five points separating the third and 11th-placed teams. Indeed, all 12 RSPL contenders are harbouring thoughts of at least a top-four finish to command a semi-final berth.

In a much-anticipated clash between another pair of former winners, 10th-placed Boys’ Town return to their natural home at the Collie Smith Complex, to face 11th-placed Portmore United FC at 3:00 pm.

Both teams are on 20 points, but Boys’ Town have an edge based on a superior goal difference.

Also at 3:00 pm, August Town FC, in cellar position on 15 points, entertain eighth-placed Humble Lion FC (21) at the UWI Mona Bowl.

In the other 3:00 pm kick-off, one-time leaders Montego Bay United FC, who are now second with 29 points, host fifth-placed Rivoli United (23) at Wespow Park in St James.

A feisty encounter is expected at Stadium East, starting at 4:30 pm, when travelling Arnett Gardens FC meet Cavalier SC.

The Arnett Gardens team currently holds the pivotal fourth place with 24 points, a mere arm’s length away from Cavalier (22), who hold down sixth spot.

In tomorrow’s Monday night fixture commencing at 7:00, the leaders and title-holders Harbour View welcome Sporting Central Academy to the Harbour View Stadium.

Harbour View, who recovered from a rough start to the season, are on 36 points, while Sporting Central are in ninth place on 21.

RSPL matches today

*3:00 pm — August Town vs Humble Lion @ UWI Bowl

*3:00 pm — Boys’ Town vs Portmore United @ Collie Smith Complex

*3:00 pm — Montego Bay United vs Rivoli United @ Wespow Park

*4:30 pm — Cavalier vs Arnett Gardens @ Stadium East

*5:00 pm — Tivoli Gardens vs Waterhouse @ Edward Seaga Complex

RSPL match tomorrow

*7:00 pm —Harbour View vs Sporting Central @ Harbour View Stadium