Cliftonville and Dungannon for a Swift profit

Armagh City v Linfield

By next Wednesday night Linfield could be sitting on top of the table; an ominous prospect for their challengers. There's not much chance of them slipping up against the side with the worst defensive record in the league.

11/2 Armagh
3/1 Draw
2/5 Linfield


Ballymena United v Cliftonville

The visitors will no doubt be oozing confidence after collecting some silverware during the week; a fine reward for their excellent efforts thus far. It's up to Eddie Patterson to ensure that they don't sit back now they've proven that there's life after Conor Downey. The Sky Blues? No better men to burst a bubble but I'm siding with the Reds here. Simon Kelly is unavailable as he carries a 2 match ban from his Dundalk days.

2/1 Ballymena
9/4 Draw
11/10 Cliftonville


Dungannon Swifts v Crusaders

Harry Fay's been telling anyone who'll listen that the Swifts are finally getting the results their football deserves. Last week's victory at the Oval raised a few eyebrows - meantime Crusaders are struggling to regain their early-season impetus; Colin Coates, Jeff Spiers and Stephen McBride are doubts for the Hatchetmen, although they will have new signing Andy Hunter available for this clash. The money's on Dungannon

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


Larne v Glenavon

This is another must win game for Larne. Recent improvements will count for nought if they don't collect points from the sides within their view. The absence of Colm Kearney from the Reds frontline will be a boost to the Lurgan Blues; the return of Conor Walsh and Gavin McDonnell a further one. Lewis Hamlin will probably play up top for the Invermen and will be looking to continue his recent impressive form. Nothing between them, best watched (though probably only the highlights).

6/4 Larne
11/5 Draw
6/4 Glenavon


Lisburn Distillery v Glentoran

Conor Hagan will not be included for this game and Gareth McKeown has completed his move to Portadown. The Whites impressive recent run has begun to run out of steam; they face a Glentoran side desperately in need of a morale boosting result. With Linfield playing again in midweek nothing less than 3 points will do for Windy's boys, who are still without Kyle Neill and Ryan Berry. Two teams in erratic form, not really one for risking money.

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


Loughgall v Coleraine

Shane Reddish has been busy rebuilding his squad, but the results have not been forthcoming. The basement side have yet to collect maximum points this season; they face a Coleraine squad which arrives on the back of 6 straight league victories in an unbeaten run of 8 games. Can't see Coleraine dropping points but at odds on I can let it pass.

10/3 Loughgall
9/4 Draw
8/11 Coleraine



Portadown v Limavady United

Ronnie McFall's charges are undoubtedly the league's form side; they need fear no one as their recent outing at Windsor Park proved. JC has done a decent job in recent weeks; despite losing Vincent Sweeney to Cliftonville, the Roesiders are unbeaten in their last 5 league assignments. Ports welcome Peter Kennedy back to action, Alan Smart completes his suspension; while Michael Collins and John Convery continue to struggle with injury. Ronnie risked both last week at Linfield, he may be tempted to rest one or both for this fixture. Looks a formality anyhow.

1/3 Portadown
3/1 Draw
15/2 Limavady