Mekelakeya have a chase to close the gap with League leaders, Ethiopia Nigd Bank when they face hapless Shashemene City
Bahir Dar City continue their own hunt against Wolaitta Dicha with both games poised for the Hawassa University Stadium.
A win for both Mekelakeya and Bahir Dar will add more drama on the title race.
Mekelakeya hare second, just three points behind the leader Ethiopia Nigd Bank, and will go level on points with the Commercial Bank.
The Defence Force have clawed their way following three consecutive wins against Wolkite City, Hambaricho Durame and Hawassa City in the last three games.
They were especially good to watch last week where they overcame a tough Hawassa City with goals from Kenaan Markneh and Mutalabu, showing themselves to be real contenders for the title.
Their opponent, Shashemene City are in danger of relegation, and have continued to lose in consecutive games, losing eight of the last nine games and tied one.
They also lost in the first-round reverse fixture to Mekelakeya by o-1.
In the second match of the day, Bahir Dar City will meet Wolayita Dicha hoping to keep up their winning run and looking to profit from any dropped points by both Mekelakeya and CBE.
Bahir Dar are unbeaten in the last 11 games, winning seven and drawing four.
In addition, they have proven to be quite solid defensively, and they have not conceed a goal in eight of the eleven games.
On the other hand, Wolaitta Dicha managed to win only one of the last 12 games.
Wolaitta Dicha lost 0-5 to League Leaders, CBE last week and look to be in crisis.
Bahir Dar City won 1-0 when both sides met in the first-round game.