Audley Boyd, Assistant Editor - Sports

Tivoli Gardens host Humble Lions in a rank David versus Goliath kick-off to this season's Digicel Premier League (DPL), a competition that is always greeted with great anticipation at the beginning and oftentimes the end.

Last season, three teams were in with a chance of lifting the crown heading into the final day.

In recent years, certainly since the now-practised format that splits the top six and bottom six for a final round, the level of interest has remained high at the opposite end of the table with equally simmering battles to avoid relegation.

At the wire, practically, Reno and Meadhaven failed to avoid the drop last season, making way for Humble Lions and Corporate Area outfit August Town.

The latter have returned after spending minimum time - one season - in the lower tier and number among the dozen contestants on today's full slate of six matches.

On the field, much could change for some teams as a result of decisions off it.

Busy transfer market

Both newcomers were very busy in the transfer market, with August Town signing the second-highest number of players, 23, and Humble Lions inking deals with 20.

Only Arnett Gardens, with 26, and August Town had more signings.

Waterhouse and Rivoli United, with 19, were also quite busy with player transfers.

How they gel will perhaps prove significant in the title charge, with Harbour View, Portmore United and Tivoli Gardens choosing to stick generally with the tried and proven that made them the big three last season, when Portmore were dethroned by the narrowest of margins - goal difference.

It's that little bit of significance that may inspire greater urgency and enterprise for the expectant and important throng, much of whom will venture to watch the champions kick off the 3:30 p.m. feature at Edward Seaga Sports Complex against Humble Lions.

Much focus will be on the champions. Playing with the comfort of home turf and support, they are eager to make a triumphant start against the Clarendon newcomers and rank outsiders in the 12-team championship.

"We had a pretty good preseason so physically we're ready," noted Lenworth Hyde Sr, Tivoli Gardens' coach. "The spirit among the players is also good. The team is raring to go."

He added: "We want to make a good start at home. We want to make a good result."

They have a fiery frontline very capable of ensuring such a goal, with Roland Dean and Navion Boyd, who led their charge last season with a bag of goals, now joined by Keammar Daley, a sublime but deadly finisher.

Confident Lions

Though it is their first time rubbing shoulders among the elite brass of local football, Humble Lions are brimming with confidence and keen to make their presence felt by not losing.

"The players are looking forward to the challenge," said Anthony Pringle, Humble Lions' technical director. "We have players with Premier League experience and they know what it's all about. They're looking forward with great enthusiasm, they're focused and ready for the game."

Pringle added: "... On the road we try to pick up a point, if we win it is a bonus. The first thing is to try and pick up a point.

"We might be new to the Premier League but we're a team that has been around for a long time. I give my team a good chance against Tivoli. We used to play them when we were in the Super League so we know what to expect."

Last time they had a contest, a practice match last season, Tivoli won 6-1. Pringle, though, insists it'll not be the same.

"It's a different approach. The guys are ready for it. It's for them to go out there and execute because they and the coach, Mr Bender (Christopher - coach), have worked very hard."

He added: "Going on the road it's not going to be easy, but mentally we've to be prepared and keep the discipline. That's what we're really in the league for this year, to consolidate our position and stay there. We'll have to rise and that's what we've been preparing for all along."

Former Tivoli man Damion Crooks, Sean Coleman, who has represented several Premier League outfits, Zeicko Herrera, who played for Boys' Town last season, and Narado Brown, who was at Waterhouse, are on Humble Lions' roster and could play a role.

Given the unbalanced nature of the matchup, Hyde says they won't be as complacent.

"We're not taking Humble Lions lightly," said Hyde. "We're looking forward to a tough challenge. But we're prepared for it. We saw what happened to Manchester United in their first game against Burnley, so we can't take any team lightly."

Now we know Goliath isn't, let's see if he or David will be standing this time.

TODAY'S MATCHES

Tivoli Gardens vs Humble Lions at Edward Seaga Sports Complex at 3:30 p.m.

August Town vs Portmore United at UWI Bowl at 3:30 p.m.

Village United vs Boys' Town at Elliston Wakeland Centre at 3:30 p.m.

Rivoli United vs Waterhouse at Spanish Town Prison Oval at 4 p.m.

Arnett Gardens vs St Georges at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 5 p.m.

Harbour View vs Sporting Central at Harbour View Mini Stadium at 6:30 p.m.