Two of JCK Division Two’s promotion contenders will be eyeing the scalps of top-flight teams as the Friends Provident International FA Cup gets under way.

Of the five preliminary round ties that pits Premier League against second-tier, northern duo RYCOB and Ramsey well feel the most confident about causing a cup-set.

Youthie currently sit second in the JCK Division Two standings on goal difference having only lost once all season.

They travel to Glen Road to take on a Laxey side sitting bottom of the CLPL standings with only one win to their name.

Laxey’s preformances, if not results, have improved in recent weeks. They will, however, face a Youthie side fresh from claiming a hard-earned point from title rivals Pulrose United on Saturday.

Expect a close match that may even require the additional 30 minutes to separate the two sides.

Youthie’s town rivals Ramsey welcome Douglas Royal to Ballacloan.

Ramsey liethird in the Division Two standings, while Royal sit four points above Laxey as they battle to beat the drop.

Royal have picked up four of their seven points in the last month and will provide a good test of Anthony Cooper’s side’s promotion credentials.

Douglas and District will also hope to fly the flag for Division Two when they take on Douglas Athletic at Springfield Road.

The latter ended an indifferent run of form in the Canada Life Premier League on Saturday by taking a point of third-place Rushen United.

This will see them start as favourites against a D and D side that has only won one of its last six.

Ayre United also face and uphill struggle to advance into the competition’s first round proper.

The Tangerines host Rushen United in Andreas for what should be a fairly comfortable victory for the free-scoring Spaniards.

One of only two all-Premier League affairs takes place at Ballafletcher where Corinthians host St John’s.

The Whites, who are the trophy holders, will start as favourites but will be reminded of the result when the pair met in the corresponding league fixture in November.

On that occasion the Johnners held their hosts to a 2-2 draw.

Corinthians have only played once in the past month and will be keen to kick-off 2019 with a win and this might just give them the edge in this one.

l Malew can move into JCK Division Two’s top three on Saturday with a win over Union Mills.

The Clagh Vane outfit currently sit four points off the top with a couple of games in hand.

Victories in both would propel them into title contention, but as Mills showed on Saturday by taking a point off Ramsey, they can’t be treated lightly.