‘Junglists’ look to ambush Mount Pleasant

The Jamaica Premier League's (JPL) in-form team, Arnett Gardens, could use home advantage to move closer to the top of the league when they face leaders Mount Pleasant at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex tonight at 7.

Arnett Gardens, 18 points, sit four below the leaders and have a game in hand. Mount Pleasant are in front with 22 points from 10 games while Arnett's 18 have come from nine games.

The 'Junglists' are, however, on top on the form table. The Xavier Gilbert-coached team has gained 13 points from their last five games scoring nine goals and conceding two. Dunbeholden also have 18 points from their last five games.

On the other hand, the Theodore Whitmore-coached Mount Pleasant have accumulated just seven points from their last five games, scoring five goals and conceding five. The St Ann-based team got off to a flying start this season, winning their first six matches. However, since sharing the spoils with Waterhouse four weeks ago, they have taken just four points from the last four matches.

Last weekend, the team rebounded from a three-game winless streak, during which they lost twice, to defeat Treasure Beach.

Today's big test against an in-form Arnett Gardens will prove if the expensively assembled Mount Pleasant squad are really out of their slump.

The injury to winger Kimonie Bailey has coincided with Mount Pleasant's dip in form, and it is still uncertain if the player who has scored four and assisted two of Mount Pleasant's 15 goals will be fit enough to play.

The game will also mark the return to the 'Jungle' for Romeo Guthrie, Marlon Allen and Damari Deacon, three key members of Arnett Gardens team who exited the club at the end of the last campaign.

With Bailey still doubtful, Mount Pleasant will have to look to Allen, Atapharoy Bygrave, Demario Phillips, veteran defender Suelae McCalla, Oquassa Chung and others for their first back-to-back win in five games.

Arnett Gardens are the only team to have lost just once this season. That defeat came at the hands of Tivoli Gardens in the fourth round. However, since then the team has won four of the last five games.

Although there were questions marks over Gilbert, who has coached females most of his career, at the start of his tenure he has so far answered his critics, with Arnett looking one of the top contenders so far this season.

The attacking trio of Shai Smith, Warner Brown and Kimani Arbouine are largely responsible for the 16 goals the team has netted.

While the defence consisting of goalkeeper Ricardo White, Roshawn Amos, Gerald Neil and Joel Cunningham has conceded the second least (7) goals, only bettered by their opponents, whose defence has been breached six times.

Both teams appear evenly matched with Arnett having the edge at home but the game should provide some good attacking football for the neutrals.

Today's games

Dunbeholden vs Waterhouse at JC Ashenheim Stadium - 3 p.m.

Cavalier vs Treasure Beach at Sabina Park - 3 p.m.

Vere vs Portmore at Wembley Centre of Excellence - 3 p.m.

Lime Hall vs Humble Lion at Drax Hall - 3 p.m.

Harbour View vs Tivoli at JC Ashenheim Stadium - 5 p.m.

Molynes vs Montego Bay at Anthony Spaulding Complex - 5 p.m.

Mount Pleasant vs Arnett at Anthony Spaulding Complex - 7 p.m.