THE advantage rests with Humble Lion as they host Arnett Gardens in the return-leg of their Red Stripe Premier League semi-final at Effortville Community Centre today starting at 8:30 pm.

Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex last week, setting the stage for an epic return match in Clarendon.

Andre Clennon had given Arnett Gardens an early lead then, but Wolry Wolfe converted a penalty just before half-time to leave the tie delicately poised.

But based on their two previous meetings at Effortville, the Donovan Duckie-coached Humble Lion will start favourites having gone unbeaten against Arnett Gardens at home.

“It has to be wonderful because we take comfort in the psychological advantage because we have beaten them and drawn with them at Effortville,” noted Duckie.

Arnett coach Jerome Waite, thought his team should have secured victory and enter today’s game with the advantage.

“The final score is not a true reflection of the game. We are always looking towards a difficult game and the same thing will continue at Effortville. But we just need to make use of our opportunities,” said Waite.

Arnett Gardens, the preliminary league champion, are full of attacking options and despite playing away, remain a most formidable unit.

Top scorer Leon Strickland, with 10 goals, was off key last week and is expected to return to his trickery self today and could be a nuisance for the home team. He should be partnered with young Michaelos Martin up front, one of the best movers off the ball in the league. Also, much is expected from the hard-running Andre Clennon.

Waite is expected to maintain his winning formula of 3-4-3 with Vishunul Harris, Marvin Morgan, Renae Lloyd, and Kenniel Hyde providing the support.

With former National defender Dicoy Williams out through injury from the first leg, veteran Oneil Thompson will again marshall the backline alongside National Under 20 defender Shaquille Dyer and Jabeur Johnson.

Humble Lion, with a talented and experienced midfield, could win the battle of the engine room and eventually the match. The likes of former National players Wolry Wolfe, Andre Vanzie and Ricardo Cousins will be key in that battle. The dangerous Devon Hodges, Roberto Fletcher, Kemeel Wolfe, Sean Coleman, hard-tackling Ricardo Campbell, and Hugh Howell form a solid backline.

It should be a very interesting encounter between two very good teams, and based on the first leg, it should be a very close game as Arnett enter the Lion’s den.