Digicel T&T Pro League leaders, Defence Force will resume its quest for a record 21st national football league title when matches takes place today, following a two-week break for the Soca Warriors international friendlies away to Belize and Peru.
The "Teteron Boys", last time champions in 2010, will clash with rivals Police in the first match of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva with a four-point lead over closest challengers, Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA, after both teams played to a 0-0 in the previous round on March 15 at Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.
Tonight, coach Ross Russell is expected to have his full team, inclusive of striker Devorn Jorsling, the league's top scorer with 15 goals, winger Kevon Carter and utility player Curtis Gonzales, who were all involved with the national team during the league break.
While Defence Force has beaten Police 1-0 and 3-1 in their two previous league meetings, the lawmen will be hoping to build on their 2-2 draw against fourth placed North East Stars on March 16.
Two hours later, defending champions, DirecTV W Connection, third with 29 points and still in with a chance to retain its title, comes up against North East Stars, a further point behind.
Both teams know a defeat will dash their league hopes and also their efforts for a top two finish and a Caribbean Football Union Club Championship qualification spot.
W Connection and Stars drew a blank in the first round, but the latter inspired by striker Cornell Glen, who is two goals adrift of Jorsling, won the second round encounter 2-0, and will be hoping for a similar outcome as it targets a top two spot.
TODAY'S MATCHES
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva
Police vs Defence Force, 6pm
W Connection vs North East Stars, 8pm
Venue: Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya
Caledonia AIA vs T&TEC, 6pm
St Ann's Rangers vs Central FC, 8pm
Standings?
Teams P W D L F A Pts
D/Force 17 11 4 2 43 17 37
Caledonia 17 10 3 4 43 24 33
W Connection 17 8 5 4 32 18 29
N/East Stars 17 7 7 3 24 16 28
Central 17 7 5 5 28 26 26
Police 17 3 6 8 24 33 15
Rangers 17 2 4 11 19 43 10
T&TEC 17 2 2 13 12 48 8?
Top four clubs remaining opponents in order of matches: Defence Force: Central FC, T&TEC, W Connection. Caledonia: Police, St Ann's Rangers, Central FC W Connection: T&TEC, Police, Defence Force North East Stars: St Ann's Rangers, Central FC, T&TEC