Armagh the bet of the week

Armagh City v Larne
Managerless Larne have now gone eight games without a win; their solitary success came on the opening day of the season. 'Sacked manager syndrome' didn't win them any points last week when they hosted in form Portadown. This Saturday they travel to Holm Park , where The Eagles are showing signs of flying high...while not underestimating their visitors, it's one Gary McKinstry's men must pick up maximum points from and El Punter has plenty of confidence they will do so.

10/11 Armagh
9/4 Draw
5/2 Larne


Ballymena United v Lisburn Distillery
As hard to call as a Christmas Eve taxi. Two of the league's underachievers square up; identical records; home advantage should swing it for the Sky Blues. But when either of this pair are good, 'they're really really good, and when they are bad, they are bad!' Draw could well be the outcome.

11/8 Ballymena
11/5 Draw
13/8 Lisburn


Cliftonville v Coleraine
Eddie Patterson's side need fear no one these days, and the visit of Coleraine shouldn't trouble them unduly. The Bannsiders have been unfortunate in meeting two of the top sides in the league since Marty Quinn's stutter. Performances have improved, results haven't...and they'll be up against it again here. As long as the Reds are focused on the task at hand, and not next week's CIS Cup Final, they should collect the points.

4/6 Cliftonville
12/5 Draw
7/2 Coleraine


Crusaders v Newry City
Fans of these sides won't easily forget the last meeting betwen the two; that was Crusaders 8-0 romp at Seaview in the CIS Cup quarter final. Roy Coyle's men were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline, when Glentoran visited The Marshes last Saturday; 'though by all accounts once Gary Hamilton had finished the game off after 12 minutes; the Newrymen gave an excellent account of themselves. They'll be looking to bounce back this weekend, but Steven Baxter's side have yet to drop a point at the Crusaders Citadel this term.

4/6 Crusaders
12/5 Draw
7/2 Newry City


Glentoran v Glenavon
The Lurgan Blues have lost two on the trot after their recent four match unbeaten run, it's difficult to visualise them causing any serious problems for Paul Millar's freescoring side. Yes, they have the distraction of the impending CIS Cup final, but they have enough quality throughout the squad to allow key players to rest if necessary. Colin Malone's side will trouble some this year, but they have got to attain a level of consistency, hitherto lacking.

1/5 Glentoran
9/2 Draw
9/1 Glenavon


Limavady United v Dungannon Swifts
Whether or not they've merited 4 points from the last 6 on offer, the Roesiders will have harvested some confidence from those results. Neither side are scoring freely of late, nor have they been impressive at the back this term. However, Harry Fay's Swifts seem to be getting their rearguard into some sort of shape, with only one goal conceded in their last four outings. Such defensive thrift should be enough to see them collect an away win.

9/4 Limavady
9/4 Draw
EVS Dungannon


Linfield v Loughgall
On paper, a comfortable home win - but will the Villagers have the X Factor? DJ is in charge for today's game, as David Johnstone attempts to make a name for himself by getting a performance from the Loughgall men. Who knows how they'll react to their first game without Jim Gardiner at the helm for 6 years, coupled with the defection of the influential Keith Percy? Will the real DJ be worried about this, I think not? The Blues have hit 10 without reply in their last 3 league games, Loughgall have yet to win a match.

1/8 Linfield
5/1 Draw
14/1 Loughgall


Portadown v Donegal Celtic
After a tough start, thanks to the fixture compilers, Ports have been efficiently going about the business of gathering points; 16 from the last 18 available is top form. DC continue to be enigmatic; they refused to lie down versus Linfield last week, yet fail to inspire against the lesser lights. Their lone victory came against Limavady on the opening day, and they've failed to score against the big boys in their last three games. Looks like Ronnie McFall's side can only lose this one themselves.

1/2 Portadown
12/5 Draw
11/2 Donegal Celtic