With a maximum six points already in the bag with wins against Celtic (5-1) and FC Barcelona (4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw) the destiny of the silverware is in Jersey’s hands and victory would see them as winners for the first time.
Even a narrow defeat could see them finish on top of the table – as long as Barcelona or Celtic don’t run riot this evening.
Matthews said: ‘It’s a great position to be in, but we still have a very tough match to play.
I think Mar?timo are slightly stronger than Barcelona.
They are a very talented side and they have a bit more movement in their midfield by way of supporting their strikers.
‘I’ve not decided on my team yet.
It is proving difficult to select because everyone has done exceptionally well.
Everyone wants to play – it’s a problem for me but a nice problem to have.
‘Playing Mar?timo it will also be something of a derby, especially among the fans as many of the younger Portuguese generation are born in the Island.
‘We have some good Portuguese players playing in our league and I believe this game will be a great advert for local football.’ The injured Lee Bradshaw will be replaced by U18 player Joel Speight.
Mar?timo, who will be without suspended star Fabio Balu and Ruben Freitas after their red cards against Celtic last night, can not now win the trophy, but will be determined not to finish their campaign without a victory.
Celtic take on Barcelona this evening, with both sides needing a big victory to put pressure on Jersey tomorrow afternoon.
They would then need Mar?timo to erode Jersey’s current plus-four goal differenc for one of them to lift the trophy.
Barcelona are better placed, with Celtic having a minus-two difference to make up.
Tonight: Celtic v Barcelona, kick-off 7.30.
Tomorrow: Jersey Seniors v Mar?timo, 2 pm, both games at Springfield.
