Central FC head coach Ross Russell is hoping for a reunion with his former side Defence Force in the final of the 2015 Toyota Classic on December 6.
However, before both teams can get to the showpiece encounter, they will first half to take care of business in today's semifinal double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
In the first semifinal, Russell's former club Defence Force tackles defending Toyota Classic champion and two-time winner Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh from 4 pm, and two hours later, bitter Couva rivals, Central FC and three-time tournament winner DirecTV W Connection square off in the other semifinal.
Buoyed by a 4�1 win over Club Sando in its Pro League encounter on Tuesday, Defence Force will be high on confidence against Jabloteh, which wasted a 2�0 lead against Police FC in a 3�3 draw.
However, the "Teteron Boys" coach Marvin Gordon says he is expecting a tough semi-final challenge.The army/coastguard combination defeated St Ann's Rangers 3�1 in the round-of-16, but had a dismal showing in the quarterfinal stage last weekend, although edging Super League side FC Santa Rosa 2�1.
Defence Force has also met Jabloteh twice already this season, narrowly winning both matches 3�2 on September 30 in the qualifier round of the First Citizens Cup and 1�0 in a league game on October 27, but coach Gordon knows there semifinal duel will be a different battle.
"We played them (Jabloteh) twice already this season and won on both occasions," continued Gordon. "...but (Sunday) is a different game. They will be coming all-out to stop us.
Defence Force defensive utility player Curtis Gonzales added, "It's going to be a very tough contest and its one win away from the final."He added: "We defeated them twice this season and we know a side won't just allow us to beat them three times in a row, especially in a semifinal.
"But we are looking forward to the battle and my teammates and I are ready. Over the last few days it has been spot on in training with everyone fighting for their picks... just the way professional football has to be."
Defence Force has never won the Toyota Classic, losing their only final on penalties following a 2�2 draw with North East Stars in 2012, while Jabloteh are five-time finalists, winning the title in 2008 and 2014.
In previous meetings this season, Central FC edged W Connection 1�0 in September to unseat the three-time defending Digicel Charity Shield winners and then in late October the "Savonetta Boys" fired back 2�1 to win the final of the First Citizens Cup to dethrone the two-time defending champions Central.
But despite being held to a 1�1 Digicel Pro League draw against W Connection last Tuesday, Russell is confident that Central will overcome their Couva rivals when both sides meet again this afternoon.
Speaking after Tuesday's drawn match, Russell said, "We are going to win. I don't want to express my confidence fully, but we are going to win. Once we bury our chances, Connection would be off our back."
In the Toyota Classic, Central and W Connection both advanced from the round-of-16 via penalties after goalless results against Point Fortin Civic and Club Sando, respectively.Central went on to defeat Morvant Caledonia United 2�1 in the quarterfinals, while W Connection were comfortable 3�0 winners over North East Stars.
Matches
Today's Toyota Classic semifinals:
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo:
San Juan Jabloteh vs Defence Force, 4 pm
Central FC vs W Connection, 6 pm
Final
Sunday, December 6