With four rounds of the regular Jamaica Premier League remaining, six teams are desperately fighting for basically four play-off spots, while at the other end of the spectrum, only a win will prevent Chapelton Maroons from being relegated.

With just seven points separating the third from eight-placed teams and with most of the contenders facing easy opponents, the spotlight will be on Portmore United as they have the more difficult task against leaders Cavalier.

The Ashenhiem Stadium at Jamaica College will be buzzing with excitement and anticipation as sixth-placed Portmore United on 35 points tackle a Cavalier team on top of the league with 43 points and looking to secure a top two spot that sends them into the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Months ago, Portmore United Head Coach Phillip Williams said his team was gelling and finding that chemistry with the return of firstly Alex Marshall and then Lamar Walker.

Now they are the hottest team around heading into the play-offs, winning five of their last seven games and on a great run. Cavalier on the other hand are also in good form hunting their third consecutive win.

“It’s going to be a tough one for us coming up against the league leaders and one of the most consistent teams. We are, however, prepared mentally and physically for the game and will be approaching it positively,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer.

“This is the toughest part of our fixture, with Humble Lion, Waterhouse, and Molynes being the matches we have remaining. With the table this close, it’s very important that we maintain the form we are in and try and create enough quality moments to secure wins from here on in,” he added.

On January 15, Cavalier handed Portmore United their first defeat, winning 2-1, and the stage is set for an epic battle as both teams have found an extra gear driving towards the play-offs.

Meanwhile, with play-off contenders Waterhouse in seventh spot on 34 points and Dunbeholden in eighth spot on 32 points not in action until Monday, fifth-placed Humble Lion on 36 points should consolidate their position with a victory over bottom-placed Chapelton Maroons on eight points.

Having lost seven of their last 10 games, if Chapelton Maroons doesn’t win today they will be relegated in this their first season in top-flight football.

With that said, the Effortville Community Centre would be a mixture of emotions as Humble Lion are fancied to secure their 11th win of the campaign and move closer to the play-offs and relegate their Clarendon neighbours Chapelton Maroons.

At another section of Clarendon, at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, early season favourites Mount Pleasant sitting in third spot on 39 points should also confirm their play-off status with victory over a Vere team sitting in 11th spot on 19 points. Match time is 3:00 pm.

Faulkland FC will be hoping Vere loses as they are one of two teams they can overhaul to avoid being relegated. They are second from bottom, in 13th spot, on 11 points. Faulkland face a Montego Bay United team in 10th spot on 23 points in a crucial St James derby.

Faulkland will be hoping for s big favour from their neighbours as they know a win would put tremendous pressure on both Tivoli Gardens and Vere United in their relegated battle.

Champions Harbour View in fourth spot with 39 points have a difficult task against ninth-placed Molynes United on 26 points.

Motivation might be a problem for Molynes United as they are safe from relegation but out of contention for a play-off spot. This might be what the doctor ordered for Harbour View as they hunt for a top-two spot and a berth into the semi-finals.