Banking on the Ports again

Newry City v Dungannon Swifts
Roy Coyle includes his latest captures, defender Brian Kelly and a badly needed striker in Peter Hynes, when Dungannon come to town. Harry Fay has new midfielder Dwayne McManus available for his goal-shy side. Both sides have flattered to deceive, with Swifts in serious danger of losing sight of the fourth spot they've secured in recent seasons. City's draw at Distillery last time out was impressive. I cautiously side with Coyle's men.

6/4 Newry
11/5 Draw
6/4 Dungannon


Cliftonville v Linfield
The Blues have the benefit of fresh legs after the cancellation of their game with Limavady, and there's no chance of them underestimating Eddie Paterson's side as DJ celebrates ten years in charge. The Solitude boss has recruited Daniel Lyons in an effort to improve his side's goal threat, and Noel Bailie's recent injury troubles may keep him out of the Linfeld line up for this one. The champions haven't looked back since their opening day collapse against the Reds, and in spite of the appearance of fallibility still boast the meanest back five in the league. I expect the Blues to take maximum points.

10/3 Cliftonville
9/4 Draw
8/11 Linfield


Coleraine v Lisburn Distillery
This rehearsal for next week's Irish Cup clash brings two of the table's form sides head to head. Marty Quinn has turned his side's fortunes around and victory against the Whites will bring them within a point of Paul Kirk's side - no mean feat when you consider that Distillery have taken 19 points from 21 of late. Darren Armour is suspended for the visitors, while Stephen Carson is unavailable for the Bannsiders. Nothing in it; fence-sitting time.

6/4 Coleraine
11/5 Draw
6/4 Portadown


Crusaders v Portadown
This is a pivotal game for the hosts who arrested a recent slump when seeing off Armagh City last time out. Victory will take them level with their opponents, defeat may consign them to the chasing pack for the remainder of the campaign Ronnie McFall's side are oozing confidence at the moment and will believe that they can take maximum points at Seaview. They'll be hoping for goals from Kevin Braniff to help them on their way. Ports are missing a few players but I believe their better form against the top teams will see them prevail here and take the win.

2/1 Crusaders
2/1 Draw
5/4 Portadown


Glenavon v Ballymena United
Glenavon have not left the pitch with maximum points in any of their last nine outings. There have been a lot of comings and goings at Mourneview of late, it remains to be seen if this will have an unsettling effect on the side or no. They face the difficult task of puncturing the ebullience of Ballymena United after their notable victory over Glentoran last time out. Followers of the Sky Blues will probably watch this one with their hands over their eyes; a symptom of the notorious inconsistency of Tommy Wright's side - though they have netted an impressive 11 goals in their last four games. Sky blue skies to continue for the sky blues.

15/8 Glenavon
11/5 Draw
6/5 Ballymena Utd


Glentoran v Armagh City
Armagh City can only hope to maintain a respectable scoreline as they face this weekend's most unenviable task. The Glens' pride has been seriously dented and they need to come out fighting to reassert their claim to the title. They haven't won in their last three games, their worst run of the season, and with the Blues breathing into their ears there's no more room for error from Paul Millar's men. The Cock'n'Hens to win - while keeping a clean sheet.

2/7 Glentoran
10/3 Draw
8/1 Armagh City


Limavady United v Donegal Celtic
Two sides who have shown signs of improvement of late. Both outfits were on the receiving end of trouncings from Lisburn Distillery, and have remained unbeaten since. United's results have been the more impressive, and with Paddy Kelly allowing Gavin Melaugh and Daniel Lyons to leave DC it looks like the home side should narrowly prevail here.

6/5 Limavady
11/5 Draw
15/8 Donegal Celtic


Loughgall v Larne
The battle for second last spot continues at Lakeview Park, and the combatants are neck and neck. Larne have Tony Anderson and Colm Kearney in harness and once this pair reaches match fitness things could improve for Paul Curran's side. With Aaron Black to bed in at the back alongside Padraig Gollogly, there's room for guarded optimism from the Inver Park faithful. But three points against the side which drew with DC on their last outing is a must; the race for safety starts here.

6/5 Loughgall
11/5 Draw
15/8 Larne