The result is that neither group can afford to stumble, and top team Green Island faces a strong challenge from University, with the advantage of a home game at Sunnyvale.
Green Island has 16 points and the students have 13 points and are aiming to climb up equal, or at least lessen the gap.
With a certain amount of player movement happening, University is unlikely to pick up new players other than those who emerge from its lower grades, such as Logan Wrightweb, who was an immediate success with two brilliant headed goals in as many matches.
And, while Ifeanyi Unamadu has not scored a lot of goals, he has a winger's skill to spare, plus Varsity has a solid midfield pivot in Michael Nelson and a classy centreback in Peter Overmire.
However, Green Island's Burnley connections might facilitate some quality player input from overseas to add to what is already a well-balanced team.
Second-top Caversham plays Roslyn-Wakari at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with just one competition point separating the teams. Roslyn is still without Brazilians Guilerme Melo and Danniel Becheri.
Caversham will be hoping former star striker Tom Jackson is returning to add some venom to coach Tim Horner's strike force, although it was Horner's defence that looked dodgy, falling two goals behind to Grants Braes last week before the red machine hit back with four goals.
Dunedin Technical could also strengthen its squad with temporary returns by Tristan Prattley and Tim Myers, but coach Mike Fridge's side looked rather impressive in crushing Northern 6-0 last week, and should have too much power for Queenstown in Central Otago.
Queenstown striker Carlos Hermann, a former Brazilian professional, can upset apple carts. Scoring five goals in six matches would be impressive in any team. He is only two goals behind FPL leader Ant Hancock (seven).
Northern, still licking its wounds from last week's mauling, must get back on track against Grants Braes. Both are examples of teams capable of exciting attack, and deplorable defending.
Braes coach Alan Laidler will attempt to repeat the quality that earned a 2-0 lead against Caversham, and Northern's Murray Devereux also needs early goals from his attack to get back on track.
It is Mosgiel's turn to head south and play Old Boys in Invercargill. They are another two erratic sides. Old Boys is two points ahead in fifth spot, and still annoyed at the 1-0 loss last week to University.
Mike McGarry has had player losses this season, and was grateful for some ''guest'' appearances from Australian-based Kris Wheeler. Not many nearly 50-year-old strikers play as well as Phil Kelly, who has his young son Matt for company, in central defence. A lot depends on striker Regan Coldicott and Morgan Day to lead the line, Kelly to hit the net, and Ryan McGarry to fulfil his potential.
