It is round 26 of the Sports Direct Irish Premiership this weekend, with all 12 teams in action on an action-packed Saturday. One tie that stands out amongst all the others sees north and south Belfast clash, when leaders Linfield host Cliftonville at Windsor Park.
David Healy’s Blues go into the game with a mammoth 15-point advantage at the summit of the table and are odds-on to win the title for the first time since 2022.
Jim Magilton’s Reds make the journey on a much patchier run of form and lie fifth in the table, but expectations are always high when facing their old city foes.
Other highlights from the weekend sees Dungannon Swifts welcome big-spending Coleraine, while goals are likely when Portadown make the journey to play Crusaders at Seaview.
So read on for all the weekend’s previews, predictions and betting odds.
SATURDAY (3PM KICK-OFF, UNLESS STATED)
Crusaders v Portadown
The Crues earned a much-needed win away to Coleraine last week after a torrid run of form, including a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Dungannon.
That victory on the north coast took some pressure off manager Declan Caddell and he will be hoping to get a run of wins going, starting tomorrow.
They face a Ports side facing their own battles. Last week’s 3-1 loss to Linfield was their fourth in five games and boss Niall Currie will be looking to draw inspiration from their sparkling form earlier in the season.
That form included wins against Crusaders in both meetings, including a phenomenal 3-0 win at Seaview.
I expect this to be a tight affair with the away side nicking it.
Odds: Home: 19/20 Draw: 23/10 Away: 23/10
Prediction: Portadown
Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine
Coleraine have been spending big this transfer window and have further added this week by bringing Larne defender Levi Ives into the fold, joining Patrick Burns and Ronan Doherty.
However, the Bannsiders have much work to do. They currently sit ninth in the table and lost at home to Crusaders last week.
Part-time Dungannon are putting Coleraine to shame, as they have exceeded all expectations and occupy second in the standings, albeit they too lost last week against a rejuvenated Glenavon team.
Coleraine edge the head-to-head stats this season, with one win and a draw between the sides, but never write off Rodney McAree at Stangmore Park.
Odds: Home: 7/5 Draw: 23/10 Away: 8/5
Prediction: Dunagnnon Swifts
Glenavon v Carrick
Glenavon may only be one spot ahead of Carrick in 10th, but the two sides are poles apart in terms of form.
The Lurgan Blues have been a revelation since Paddy McLaughlin has taken charge, winning four of their last five games. On the other hand, Stephen Baxter’s Rangers are stuck in a rut.
Five league games without scoring is a worrying trend in any division and it is hard to see this being turned around anytime soon unless either a change of personnel or a late January striker arrives.
Carrick did defeat Glenavon on the opening day of the season, but the clubs are both under different managers now and in different places.
Surely McLaughlin’s men will be celebrating a victory at full-time here.
Odds: Home: 19/20 Draw: 23/10 Away: 12/5
Prediction: Glenavon
Larne v Ballymena
Gary Haveron’s Reds will be smarting from the midweek loss to Glentoran in the Co Antrim Shield Final, and after a lacklustre performance he will be demanding a reaction.
Levi Ives and Joe Thomson have both departed this week and there will be a first real test of the squad’s depth in some time.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Invermen have failed to score more than two goals in six of their last seven games, highlighting a lack of attacking ruthlessness often witnessed in previous seasons.
United have no wins in five and without a regular scorer it is hard to see how that pattern can change.
The Sky Blues did defeat Larne 1-0 back in September during their purple patch, but this time Larne are favourites for me.
Odds: Home: 3/10 Draw: 4/1 Away: 11/2
Prediction: Larne
Loughgall v Glentoran
Anything other than an away win here would be a huge upset.
The Glens are fresh form Co Antrim Shield victory and are 11 games undefeated, with manager Declan Devine the darling of the Oval.
On the other hand, Loughgall must feel like they have one foot in the Championship already. Nine points adrift at the bottom of the table, it is hard to see where victories will come from.
Victory for Glentoran in this one.
Odds: Home: 5/1 Draw: 17/5 Away: 4/11
Prediction: Glentoran
Linfield v Cliftonville (5.30PM, Live on BBC Two NI)
Saturday evening’s game sees the clash of the league’s top-two scorers. Joel Cooper and Joe Gormley both have an impressive 15 goals to their names and will be looking to add further to these tallies.
Jim Magilton’s team ran out 2-1 winners in their previous meeting with David Healy’s men at Windsor Park in October, with two late goals from Ryan Cullen and Ruaidhri Donnelly securing the away win for the Reds.
However, since then the north Belfast club have struggled on the field. Last week’s win over Loughgall ended a run of four straight defeats as they fell from title challengers to also-rans.
Linfield have been metronomic in their machine-like efficiency of late, but there have been some chinks in their armour against the other top teams in the league and I think this one will be another tight affair.
Odds: Home: 13/20 Draw: 13/5 Away: 7/2
Prediction: Draw
