PHC Zebras and Devonshire Cougars will renew their rivalry this weekend when the two sides lock horns in the final round robin match in Group A.

With the two sides already through to the next round at the expense of the third team in their group, Boulevard, the match could very well be a preview of this year's final if both can manage to negotiate their way to that day.

Yet PHC stalwart Kevin Richards and Cougars supremo Omar Butterfield won't be drawn into the talk of revenge in regards to last seasons final, with both stating that each game warrants a different mentality and focus.

And with battle lines drawn for the remainder of the season, neither side will give an inch in a war that will rage for the entire season.

"We will be looking to continue to improve our squad, and the game against Cougars should be a great chance to test how far we have come this early in the season," stated Richards.

"We're trying not to dwell on the fact that we're through to the next round, as one of the main reasons we had so much success last season was due to our consistency.

"Teams need to know that when they play us it will be one of the most difficult games they will have, so the fact that we're through to the next round in no way means that we will be taking it easy against Cougars.

"I actually think my teammates and I have more of a reason to see this as a chance for payback than Cougars, as over the last five years they have had the edge over us.

"One year of success does not mean we've forgotten those defeats, so we still have a lot of fire to get a bit more payback of our own from teams who have been dominating football in Bermuda."

With the season schedule coming out earlier this week and Zebras set to begin defense of their league title against Boulevard, Richards said his side are not worried about next week or next month, but on what lies directly ahead.

"We saw last week that Boulevard will be a tough opponent and have improved their team. It is good to see my good friend Michael Parsons being given the captaincy there and I believe he will bring added quality to their midfield.

"When we play them next week I think we will be in a good position, having played at BAA Field three times in four weeks, and although they will be at home I think that will negate any home field advantage they may have hoped for.

"It should make for a good game, but I believe we are the best team in Bermuda and will approach the game looking for a win."

Butterfield, on the other hand, missed last year's final due to injury woes and is determined to get there again this season.

With nothing to play for in the match apart from final placings in the group, he reckons that anything can happen and it should be a lively contest.

"Our mentality will be the same as always, compete and win," said Butterfield.

"If they want to make us their focus then fine, but once the game is over we will look forward to starting our league campaign.

"The onus isn't on either one of us, so it will be interesting to see how we both play the game.

"We saw the schedule when it came out and know they play Boulevard in their first game and we play Dandy Town, so getting off on the right foot is always crucial.

"A house doesn't get built over night, it takes weeks and months. That is what we are trying to do and it starts right now."