THERE'S a good chance that the Island's footballing fraternity might find themselves doing some early Christmas shopping this weekend as the week's wet weather threatens another washout.
Last Saturday all of the day's scheduled games were lost to waterlogging and an incessant amount of rain over the last few days has turned already sodden pitches into mud baths.
With the forecast not set to improve until late on Friday, only the hardiest of pitches will be in with a chance of any football.
If a miracle does occur and we are subject to the Island's first November heatwave since records began, then the top match in the Sure Mobile Premier League will take place at Glen Road where Laxey will host league leaders Peel.
The Miners have been a model of consistency this term, their, pardon the pun, water-tight defence helping them to fourth in the league.
Steve Falconer's side, however, are the lowest scorers of the top four, but are unbeaten at home and will fancy their chances of nicking a point off Rick Holden's high-flying visitors.
However, the westerners look determined to hold onto their pole position at the moment and should have enough in their locker to edge the win from this one.
>> iomtoday.co.im/footballPreviews, fixtures, news, blog nonsenseAt the foot of the standings, Union Mills will aim to break their league duck at the 13th time of asking with the visit of Kieron Iveagh's Gymns.
The Tromode outfit won the reverse encounter 6-3 and with the injured Danny Halligan and Gareth Gawne their only absentees, a first league double should be on the cards for Iveagh's charges.
Michael will be hoping to stretch their recent unbeaten run to four games when they host St George's at Balleira Road.
This will, however, be easier said than done for the westerners against the reigning champions who appear to be finding their groove again.
Despite player-manager Nick Hurt's possible return for the westerners, a full-strength Geordies should claim the maximum points on offer.
At Noble's Park, Dan Wade will return from injury to bolster Corinthians' threadbare squad against Castletown.
The experienced goalkeeper will join fit-again club captain Kevin Harding in the Whites' line-up although Pete Myers (away) and Chris Fisher (suspension) will miss out.
Town's away record is not the best, but their talented young squad are more than capable of claiming a point.
The top-flight's final game of the afternoon takes place at Rushen.
Ramsey will make the long trip south without midfielder Danny Foulis who still remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Robbie Campbell should, however, have recovered from a head injury, while the influential Paul Rowley should also have recovered from a knock.
The in-form Harry Weatherill will be a threat to Gareth Jones's hosts, but with the luxury of a full-strength squad to choose from the title-chasing Spaniards should secure the three points on offer.
* DHSOB's Premier League clash with St Mary's was called off on Thursday afternoon with the Blackberry Lane pitch deemed unplayable.
* IN CFS Division Two, Saturday's big game comes at Pulrose where league leaders Ayre are the visitors.
Pully will still harbour outside hopes of promotion and will need a good performance in this one if they are to avoid being cut adrift from the already eight-point clear top three of Ayre, Marown and Douglas Royal.
A win might be a tall ask of Gregg Wood's team, but they have enough talent in their ranks to claim a point from the on-song Tangerines.
Elsewhere Colby and Onchan will go ahead in an early Gold Cup decider, while bottom side Douglas and District will go in search of a second win of the season with the visit of RYCOB to Groves Road.
