Modest stakes on the Lurgan Blues

Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts
This is a tricky assignment for Harry Fay's men, with the Bannsiders recent results instilling belief and confidence in the side. The Swifts won by the smallest of margins in both CIS Cup meetings earlier this year, but are finding goals hard to come by in the league while they're also tight enough at the other end of the pitch. Looks a draw.

2/1 Coleraine
9/4 Draw
11/10 Dungannon


Crusaders v Linfield
As predicted here recently, Crusaders are suffering from a serious bout of vertigo. Three defeats on the bounce with ten goals conceded is relegation form. And if they're going to stop the rot today it will take a gargantuan performance. Linfield are beginning to move up through the gears, while not looking as impregnable at the back as DJ might like. Noel Bailie may be sitting this one out along with Jamie Mulgrew, while Barry Spence serves a suspension for the red card he received on his most recent outing for Crusaders. Peter Thompson is rediscovering the confidence that only goals bring and the Crues defence will do well to keep the Blues scoreless; although I can't see that happening.

9/2 Crusaders
12/5 Draw
4/7 Linfield


Donegal Celtic v Larne
Two teams who can't buy a win at the moment. Neither has celebrated a league victory since opening day and with the home side 4 points to the good, this is a six pointer for the Inver Park men. The potential absence of both Gavin Melaugh and Sean Armstrong will bring a smile to Paul Curran's face - there were signs of improvement from Larne as they went under to Limavady on the 26th, I expect them to take something from this game.

5/4 Donegal Celtic
2/1 Draw
2/1 Larne


Glenavon v Armagh City
David Atiba Charles is back after suspension for Glenavon, and with doubts surrounding the fitness of Marty Hunter, Neil Gawley and David Hawthorne it's a timely return. Having won on 4 consecutive occasions, Armagh have followed up with consecutive defeats and looked completely disinterested when conceding three at home to Newry City last time out. The Lurgan Blues have just completed the Top 5 fixture sequence and managed to take a point in two of those games as well as giving Linfield a scare on their last outing at Mourneview Park. Glenavon the bet of the week - for small money however.

5/4 Glenavon
2/1 Draw
2/1 Armagh City


Glentoran v Portadown
The pick of Saturday's fixtures brings two of the season's most consistent sides together. The retention of Kevin Pressman is a boost for Ports, as his presence is in no small way responsible for the finest defensive record in the top division. It's at the top end that they'll suffer today, as Paul Leeman and Gary Smyth man a tight ship themselves and Ronnie McFall's outfit are not what you'd call freescoring. The red hot form of Gary Hamilton will stretch the Reds rearguard to its limit in what should be an intriguing contest. Best watched as it's hard to evaluate Ports form.

10/11 Glentoran
9/4 Draw
5/2 Portadown


Limavady United v Cliftonville
Liam Fleming is back for the Reds, who may be without the goal threat of George McMullan and David McAlinden against John Cunningham's side. Speculation suggests that Vincent Sweeney and Steven Parkhouse could be making their last appearances for the Roesiders who have only found the net 4 times in front of their own fans this term. Nonetheless, they have won their last two matches. Cliftonville the obvious choice.

3/1 Limavady
9/4 Draw
4/5 Cliftonville


Loughgall v Lisburn Distillery
The managerial uncertainty continues at Lakeview Park and they host the league's form side when Lisburn Distillery visit. The Whites are scoring at will; with 16 goals in a run of 5 successive wins they are the team that no one wants to meet. The hosts are the only side in the Premier division without a win, and they've shipped 17 goals in their last five outings. This is exactly the kind of game where the Lisburn wheels come off as they are expected to perform. I'm not yet convinced enough by Kirk's men to back them at odds on, so I'll sit it out.

10/3 Loughall
9/4 Draw
8/11 Lisburn



Newry City v Ballymena United
Newry City returned to winning ways last time out, but the prolonged absence of Karl Bermingham continues to hurt them. Ballymena have wrested the title of 'Most Frustrating Side' from Distillery. Tommy Wright's men were very poor in the first half of their recent defeat to Coleraine, but very good in the second half. Who knows what Sky Blue performance we'll see on Saturday? Yeah, a draw.

5/4 Newry
9/4 Draw
7/4 Ballymena