The race for Cu-Plas Railway Cup qualification takes centre stage in the Canada Life Premier League this weekend.

Although all 12 top-flight teams can still mathematically qualify for the top four’s Christmas party, realistically it looks like six teams will battle it out for a place in December 2’s semi-finals.

Two of those meet at Blackberry Lane on Saturday as DHSOB host Peel.

The two sides only trail St George’s in the current form table, suggesting this should be a cracker.

Peel battled well against Geordies last week and will be disappointed to have not have got more out of the game.

Old Boys, however, have the bit between their teeth at the moment as they try and deliver manager Wayne Kennedy’s aim of Railway Cup football. Undefeated at home they will prove another tough test for the westerners.

Two of the league’s current top four kick-off the weekend’s action at Mullen-e-Cloie on Friday night.

St John’s host Corinthians in a game the latter need to win after two successive defeats lost them ground in the title race.

The Johnners, however, will be no pushovers and are undefeated in their last six as manager Rick Holden begins to work his magic.

Elsewhere, Rushen United continue to play catch-up with the rest. The Spaniards schedule has been hit by recent call-ups to the Isle of Man FA representative squads and they have only played five games thus far.

They blew away some of the cobwebs last weekend with a 3-0 win at Braddan and should register another three points this week against fellow southerners Colby.

A close game looks in prospect as Braddan travel to Douglas Athletic. The hosts might just have the edge after back-to-back wins over St Mary’s and Ramsey.

The latter two sides meet at the Bowl with both out-of-sorts. Brian Carney stood down as Saints manager in the week. Whoever takes over in the short term will be looking for a reaction from his side in this one.

Douglas Royal picked up a useful point against the Saints last time out and may fancy their chances of another one this week against a Laxey side that hasn’t won in four.