Two of Manx football’s traditional sparring partners go head-to-head in the Canada Life Premier League on Saturday.

St George’s take on Peel at Glencrutchery Road, with both needing the win if they are to hang on to leaders St Mary’s coattails at the head of the standings.

The fifth-placed westerners remain without sidelined trio Rhys Oates, Lee Gale and Daniel Bell, but the club’s youngsters who have stepped into cover have all impressed in the interim.

Steve Falconer’s side triumphed over his former club in the reverse fixture 5-3, but it will be a Geordies side that has won their last seven that will start as marginal favourites in this one.

St Mary’s will look to keep chipping away at the top when they face Laxey at the Bowl. The Saints are unbeaten at home this season and won the reverse fixture 7-3.

Corinthians currently sit in second spot and should pick up another three points when they face Douglas Royal in the Ballafletcher derby.

The title is probably beyond Rushen United this season, but the Spaniards could yet nab second spot if they put a good run together in the season’s final quarter.

The Port Erin side travel to inconsistent Douglas Athletic this week and should return down the A25 with the points.

Finally, for the second time in as many weeks, DHSOB take on Marown. The pair conspired to produced only the Premier League’s 15th 0-0 draw since 2007 on Saturday and another tight game should unfold at Blackberry Lane this week.