It's been just the third week of the season for the United Football League and there has been much action that has entertained those watching the games live at the different venues and those watching at home on AkTV on IBC 13.

This week is proving to be one heck of an intense battle as interesting storylines abound with all five fixtures to take place this weekend. Let me rank the matchups.

1. Stallion Gilligan's FC versus Loyola Meralco Sparks FC - The Sparks are highly tipped to win, if not contended for the League title this season, but they have eked out one-goal victories over the Archers and the Army men. Contrast that to Stallion, where they have blown out Navy, then schooled the reigning UFL champions Air Force, and pretty much got little to no buzz into the League before the season began. Ruben Doctora has been on form as of late. with his brace against Air Force netting him the Fans' UFL Player of the Week honors. It is expected that this match will be the debut of UFL midfielder Simon Greatwich and hopefully, Anto Gonzales, as his UAAP head coaching duties for the University of the Philippines kept him busy for the past two weeks. Expect the former Division 2 club to "raise hell" just like what happened in the UFL Cup when they gave them all they had in the quarterfinals, arguably the toughest opposition the Sparks had in the competition.

2. Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC versus Philippine Army Fritz & Macziol - The newly minted UFL Cup Champions have had a rough patch of sorts, starting with the preseason 10-0 blowout against CFI Madrid, then back-to-back defeats to start the League. The Armymen split their matches so far and are looking forward to this match as bragging rights are on the line in the barracks. Expect physicality between both sides, as what would be expected with military sides face each other.

3. Philippine Navy Redjuice versus Kaya FC - For those who were lucky enough to attend their league match in April last year at the University of Makati, it was physical and grueling Wednesday night duel. A duel that included a bench-clearing brawl where Armand del Rosario was chasing a Navy player that caused him to be sent off. It ended up a slim 1-0 win for Kaya. Both teams have since souped up their lineups. The Navymen were encouraged by the draw against Nomads and are hopeful they can poach points to stave off relegation, while Kaya possibly could end up with the solo leadership after all is said and done.

4. Pasargad FC versus Green Archers Orient Freight United FC - The Archers have been snakebitten this past two weeks. Their two defeats could have instead become two draws had things gone their way, like a goal being counted here or a penalty converted here or a goal not being counted there... But maybe, the return of Tating Pasilan can change their luck. On the other hand, Pasargad could not capitalize on Valentine Kama doing a Mike Magee for the final 25 minutes. A defeat from either side will definitely be costly as both remain without a point so far.

5. Nomads Auction Manila FC versus Global FC - Nomads just came off a draw against Navy, but they will have true homefield advantage as it will be at the Nomads Sports Club this Sunday. The bigger question is who will be tasked to be the keeper for the League runners-up. Jerome Sylvain was just sent off against Pasargad and Paolo Pascual is still not 100% after his injury against Army. This could be advantageous for Steven Borrill and Patrick Connolly and definitely puts more pressure of the defense. Both teams were promoted from Division 2 as champions. This might be a possible trap game as well with a huge midweek clash with Loyola Meralco looming midweek.