Two of the early favourites for Manx Hockey Association’s Men’s Premier League title go head-to-head on Saturday in the shape of Valkyrs A and Bacchas A.

On paper, Bacchas A are the favourites to win but their opponents are an improving side mixing youth with experience, with the likes of Gregg Miller and Steve Cottier being complimented by island squad member Luis Novo-Smith and Robin Masson.

Should Valkyrs get a point or two from this game it will be seen as a major scalp.

Elsewhere, Vikings A are the favourites to overcome Saracens A who have lost a number of key players, including Will Bridson and Scott Mason who will be aiming to get the better of their former side and lead Vikings A to glory.

Bacchas B will be hoping to come out on top against their old sparring partners Harlequins, while a potentially close game is in prospect when Vikings B take on Ramsey A.

The Women’s Premier League is looking like it could be a close battle, with Bacchas A recruiting well and Valkyrs continuing their own form from last season.

Bacchas take on Vikings A in one of the key games of the day, while Valkyrs have an interclub derby against last season’s only all-winning, non-conceding side, Valkyrs B. Elsewhere, Castletown A go into the southern derby against Saracens as clear favourites while Harlequins face a tough fixture against Ramsey.

In Men’s Division One, Harlequins B have taken the early advantage following their 7-0 win last week and will look to continue that form when they take on Castletown B.

Bacchas Colts are aiming to overcome Valkyrs B in a fixture that sees one of last year’s relegation candidates (Valkyrs) take on the comeback kings and champions of the old Division Two.

Elsewhere, there is another southern derby between Castletown A and Saracens B in which the former side is expected to win.

Women’s Division Two saw only one game last week owing to the fact many of the league’s under-16 and under-14 players were away with the Isle of Man representative sides in Guernsey.

On island, it was Vikings C that overcame a difficult opening fixture against Ramsey B to take the early lead in the standings but they face a much harder fixture this week when they take on their own B team in yet another inter-club derby.

Elsewhere, Bacchas B take on Ramsey B with the whites probably favourites for the win, while Castletown B tackle Bacchas C in what should be a close match.

In the Mixed Under-16 League, Harlequins are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table with a one-point advantage over their rivals Saracens.

With Harlequins taking on Valkyrs and Saracens facing Vikings, those positions aren’t expected to change but stranger things have happened so far this season.

With three teams still in with a realistic chance of the title, any slip-ups now could be costly.