Two perennial cup giants clash tonight in the Friendship Trophy, with PHC Stadium the scene of the battle.

No one could argue the pedigree of Somerset or North Village when it comes to winning trophies, however each find themselves heading in decidedly different directions at present.

The Red Devils head into the clash firmly favoured to continue on to the semi-final round, unbeaten in league play and having disposed of top side Vasco 2-1 on Sunday.

That last result increased Village's current winning streak to four games since a 1-1 draw, ironically against the young Trojans, and marked them as the hottest property on the local scene.

Somerset, meanwhile, have been a Jekyll-and-Hyde bunch, showing up as world-beaters one week and meek also-rans the next. Lately, however, it has more often been the latter.

They have only a mathematical chance of making it into the Dudley Eve Trophy competition of which they are the defending champions and must have a severely dented psyche, with just a solitary triumph in their last four outings -- the other results were two losses and a draw.

Part of the west enders' problem has been the infrequent inclusion of midfield sparkplug Reggie Tucker, who has been hampered throughout the season by injuries and personal commitments.

With Tucker in the line-up Somerset have a ball winner and a player who inspires with his dogged determination despite very small stature. Without the mini-dynamo they lose much of their heart.

Their front-line has been anaemic in their quest for goals, as indicated by their netting just nine from eight league matches. Forwards Rodney Bascome and Lamaul Crofton have as yet failed to convert the chances presented, registering two and three goals on the season to date.

Meanwhile, the back four of Eugene Dean, Jermaine Burrows, Duane DeRoza and Rudolph Butterfield have been frequently exposed for their shortcomings, conceding 11 to their opponents over the same period and not resembling the ironclad rear-guard of years past.

Conversely, the stingy Red Devils have allowed a league best six goals and are anchored by Bermuda's top-rated goal-keeper Dwayne Adams, who after a shaky start has started to round into form.

Although the attack has been, for the most part, adequate -- their 19 goals are second only to Vasco's 21 -- there remains some mystery as to who will start tonight.

Elliott Jennings is doubtful after being stretchered off on Sunday and there is always a question surrounding the brittle knees of captain Damon Wade and whether he can rise to the task after just over a day's rest. Still, there is chief Red Devil poacher Sean Dill (six goals) to torment the Trojan defence, should either be unable to answer the call.

The night's opening Shield encounter features Hamilton Parish and St. David's doing battle and judging from their fourth and third placings respectively in the Second Division this should be an even contest.