The ninth round of the JB Bangladesh Premier league gets underway today at the Sylhet District Stadium with holders Sheikh Jamal DC taking on title contenders Abahani in the first match before two struggling sides -- Sheikh Russel KC and Mohammedan SC -- play the second match at the same venue.

Sheikh Jamal have been in fine form and have notched up four straight wins to top the 12-team table with 18 points, two ahead of Abahani, who salvaged a point in their last match against bottom-side Sheikh Russel.

The ninth round is crucial for both sides to consolidate their positions while it is also vital for Sheikh Russel and Mohammedan to move themselves up from the lower part of the table.

Sheikh Russel are at the bottom with two points while Mohammedan are in 10th position and are still winless.