Revitalised giants Dynamos will look to exact a measure of revenge on a visit to title rivals FC Platinum on Wednesday as action resumes after a two-week break in the Zimbabwe Premier League.
The showdown in Zvishavane represents the headline fixture on matchday 18, but another top clash could prove just as explosive with Black Rhinos hosting Ngezi Platinum at Morris depot.
On their second visit to the Midlands this season, Dynamos will not have forgotten that it was in fact Platinum who beat them 1-0 on matchday one to mark the start of a woeful run which threatened to wreck their title prospects with the season still in its infancy.
Dembare went on to register just three wins in the next seven matches but they have since recovered to reclaim their place among the title favourites and go into the clash at Mandava Stadium on the back of a seven match unbeaten run that has wrecked up 19 points.
In contrast, Platinum have been the epitome of inconsistency with a haul of 10 points from their last seven matches leaving some analysts revising their preseason predictions.
Yet the miners remain within shouting distance of the leading pack in 6th place with 29 points, just three shy of the log summit.
A lot has changed at Dynamos since that opening day setback, with Cameroonian import Christain Epoupa now leading the quest for goals to some effect while midfielder Denver Mukamba is showing glimpses of his old form.
Twenty-year-old starlet Cleopas Kapupurike, coincidentally a Platinum juniors product, has also forced his way into the picture with a string of impressive performances and so has fellow young attacker Emmanuel Mandiranga.
The Dynamos strike-force would however need to be at their best to breach a Platinum defence that leaves few holes at the back after conceding just seven goals in 16 matches.
While they have managed to keep things tight at the back, Platinum for their part have disappointed upfront with just 14 goals, the least among the top nine teams. Mapeza is no doubt hoping that former Hwange striker Gift Mbweti can sustain his current form after scoring two goals in the last three matches.
Meanwhile fireworks are also expected at Morris Depot on Thursday as log leaders Rhinos look to utilise home advantage against second-placed Ngezi.
The two sides are tied on 31 points and separated by goal difference although Rhinos have played one game less.
Both sides have been inconsistent of late with Ngezi managing just five points from their last five matches while Rhinos have done slightly better on eight.
Ngezi's 22-year-old playmaker Donald Teguru, with four goals to his name, will look to show just what the Warriors have missed missing after being overlooked for both the Cosafa Cup and the recent African Nations Championships qualifier against Namibia.
Rhinos however do have their own match winners too with veteran Lot Chiunga having been a regular scorer throughout the campaign.
Another interesting fixture pits resurgent How Mine against Sunday Chidzambwa's struggling ZPC Kariba, whose return of one win from the last five matches has seen them fall to eighth in the standings.
Full fixtures
Wednesday
FC Platinum vs. Dynamos, Chicken Inn vs. Bantu Rovers, Yadah vs. Harare City, How Mine vs. ZPC Kariba, CAPS United vs. Shabanie, Hwange vs. Tsholotsho.
Thursday
Black Rhinos vs. Ngezi Platinum, Bulawayo City vs. Highlanders, Triangle vs. Chapungu.