The business end of the League is upon us, and Game Week 9 features 8 mouth-watering clashes that will undoubtedly set the tone for the Super 8.
ThePapare.com takes a look at all the fixtures in detail;
Group A
Blue Star SC vs Matara City FC (06th August at Vernon Fernando Stadium Kalutara at 3:30pm)
Blue Star comes up against opposition that have already been relegated following Matara City’s 4-2 defeat to Negombo Youth at the Vernon Fernando Stadium in Kalutara.
Blue Star need a win themselves if they are to firm up their bid for Super 8 qualification in what should prove to be an entertaining encounter.
Negombo Youth SC vs Up Country Lions (06th August at Kelaniya Football Complex at 3:30pm)
Negombo Youth are well set for a mid-table finish following their impressive 4-2 bashing of Matara City and come up against the Up Country Lions, who will be upset at conceding late on at home against Blue Star.
The Lions’ Super 8 ambitions hang by a thread and even a big win may not be enough for them unless other results go in their favour.
Army SC vs Crystal Palace FC (07th August at Kelaniya Football Complex at 3:15pm)
Army dropped their first points of the season against Solid at Anuradhapura midweek, following their goalless stalemate.
They will fancy maximum points against Crystal Palace who are in need of a win and divine intervention in results elsewhere if they are to qualify.
The Soldiers will go in as favourites to get all the points in this clash.
Will be streamed live on ThePapare.com
Solid SC vs Colombo FC (07th August at Prison Grounds Anuradhapura at 3:30pm)
Following their well-earned point against Army, Solid now entertain Colombo FC at home in another key Group A clash.
Solid would do well to pick up a point in this clash, as despite them being unbeaten this season, their qualification is not mathematically guaranteed.
Colombo FC on the other hand has already qualified and could rest some of their big names for the Super 8 stage, saving them the fatigue of a long journey.
Group B
Police SC vs Saunders SC (06th August at Police Grounds at 3:30pm)
The Policemen are not out of the danger zone of relegation yet, but a win against Saunders will see them to safety.
Saunders have stuttered this season and after having their victory over Super Sun annulled due to player ineligibility, resulting in them too becoming potential candidates for relegation.
Saunders has the quality to overcome Police, though it will not prove to be an easy task on their home turf.
Java Lane SC vs Air Force SC (06th August at City League Football Complex at 3:30pm)
Last chance saloon for the boys from Slave Island to avoid relegation and it will take a Herculean effort to stay up, having to defeat a red hot Air Force team.
Air Force is in terrific form and all 3 of their forwards (Kavindu Ishan, Nipuna Bandara and Kalum Perera) were excellent in their 4-1 rout of Navy last week.
They can seal Super 8 qualification with a win, so expect no quarter to be given.
Navy SC vs Renown SC (06th August at Navy Grounds – Welisara at 3:15pm)
A fixture that produced 9 goals in last year’s competition is undoubtedly the highlight of this week’s clashes.
Navy SC simply have to win to qualify, and much of their chances will depend on the strategies employed by Renown.
It’s a fine line between the necessity to keep a winning momentum going and giving the players recovery, and with Renown having already qualified, we could see them give some of their fringe players a run out, in order to rest some of the stars.
Will be streamed Live on ThePapare.com
New Youngs FC vs Thihariya Youth SC (06th August at Albert F.Peiris Grounds at 3:30pm)
New Youngs are on the brink of qualification and a win at home against the relegated Thihariya Youth should seal the deal.
They have been impressive despite having quite a few injury concerns, and only a major upset would deny them a win in this fixture.
Thihariya Youth were relegated following their 3-0 loss to Super Sun and have only their pride to play for, as they try to register their first win of the season in their final clash.