There are big games taking place at both ends of the Canada Life Premier League this weekend, subject to the weather conditions.

Last Saturday’s washout of league fixtures saw only one cup game survive the weather, Corinthians edging past Laxey in the ECAP FA Cup at the Bowl.

League leaders and defending champions St Mary’s face a stern test of their title credentials when they welcome nearest challengers Rushen United to the Bowl.

The Saints are sitting pretty at the top some nine points clear of this weekend’s opponents, albeit having played one game more, and Alex Harrison’s men will be confident of increasing that gap.

But the Spaniards are the only team to have beaten Mary’s in the league this season, having triumphed 2-0 at Croit Lowey back in October thanks to goals from Kyle Lunn and Mike Williams.

With former Rushen frontman Josh Kelly making a goal-scoring return for the Saints in recent weeks, expect some added spice to what should already be a cracking game at the national stadium.

The hosts will be favourites, but it will be close.

There’s also a potentially pivotal game at the foot of the table where bottom side Pulrose United host one of the relegation rivals, Ramsey.

With only one point to their name, Pully are facing a return to the second division but will have targeted games like this to help stave off relegation.

Ramsey have been in decent form of late, even if results haven’t entirely gone their way, so they will start this game as favourites and three points could go a long way to securing their top flight status for another season.

A potentially tight game could be in store at Glen Road where Laxey welcome Peel.

The Miners went down fighting to high-flying Corinthians in the cup last time out and, having snatched a dramatic last-gasp draw against Peel back in October, they may just fancy their chances of repeating that result.

Having dispatched the Miners in the FA Cup last time out, Corinthians will be expected to continue their winning run in the league when they entertain relegation battlers Marown at home, while Ballafletcher neighbours Douglas Royal face an extremely tough trip to St George’s where the hosts should prevail.