IN previous seasons the contest between Waterhouse FC and Tivoli Gardens FC would be a clash of title challengers.

The two local football heavyweights are scheduled to meet today at 6:00 pm at Drewsland Mini-Stadium.

But this time around sees the fixture losing some of its lustre due to the dismal campaign that both clubs have endured thus far.

Two-time champions Waterhouse, who last won the Premier League trophy in 2005-06, are last in the 12-team points standing with 21 points from 24 games.

They have won only once in their last five games, and will need to string together some victories if they are to avoid being one of two teams relegated this season.

Head Coach Paul Young will be hoping they can exploit any possible advantage from playing at home.

Tivoli Gardens, the five-time winners who last tasted national success in 2010-11, are only five points better off in 10th place. They have won two games on the trot since their former coach Glendon ‘Admiral’ Bailey returned to take over on the sideline as technical director.

In fact, their last three outings have seen them avoid defeat and is the reason they are just above the drop zone.

Given the desperation in both camps to escape demotion to lower-tier football, plenty of excitement and intrigue could be on the cards, even if the build-up to the match has fallen short of its customary blockbuster billing.

In another enticing 6:00 pm contest, reigning champions Arnett Gardens FC tackle visitors FC Reno at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Arnett have 46 points from 24 games to lie second in the table, while Westmoreland-based Reno are in eighth place with 30 points.

At 3:00 pm, seventh-placed Boys’ Town FC (30 points) welcome leaders Montego Bay United (48 points) to Barbican Sports Complex.

Also at 3 o’ clock, 11th-placed Rivoli United (22 points) entertain third-placed Portmore United (43 points) at Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Some interesting games involving teams in the heat of battle for the fourth and final semi-final spot are also on the cards.

Humble Lion FC, who are fourth with 35 points, are set to host sixth-placed University of the West Indies FC (33 points) at Effortville Community Centre in Clarendon at 5:00 pm.

In tomorrow’s live televised RSPL Monday Night fixture, fifth-placed Harbour View FC (33 points) take on ninth-placed Cavalier SC (27 points) at Harbour View Mini-Stadium. That game is scheduled to begin at 8:40 pm.

After 33 preliminary games, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals of the RSPL.

RSPL games today

3:00 pm — Boys’ Town vs Montego Bay @ Barbican Complex

3:00 pm — Rivoli vs Portmore @ Prison Oval

5:00 pm — Humble Lion vs UWI @ Effortville Centre

6:00 pm — Arnett Gardens vs Reno @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

6:00 pm — Waterhouse vs Tivoli Gardens @ Drewsland Stadium

RSPL game tomorrow

8:40 pm — Harbour View vs Cavalier @ Harbour View Stadium