Crues and Lisburn to land the spoils

Newry City v Larne
Last week's cup victory will have momentarily lifted the gloom at the Showgrounds, but it's back to the recently miserable business of the league for managerless Newry. Karl Bermingham is not coming back; with Lee Feeney and Paddy Donegan suspended for the side that have won only once in the Premier division before their own fans this season. Larne enjoyed their first league success last time out, and will be buoyed by their second half performance against Cliftonville last week. Colm Kearney and Tony Anderson are getting fitter by the week; and Aaron Black has added spine to the side. Larne to take a draw.

4/6 Newry
12/5 Draw
7/2 Larne


Cliftonville v Armagh City
On the basis of Armagh's recent outings, the Reds have nothing to fear. City were lucky to see off Institute's challenge last week in the cup; they've conceded 16 goals in their last four league outings, and the absence of the influential Chris Walker through suspension will further weaken the Eagles' resolve. Eddie Patterson must plan without Conor Downey, folowing his switch to Linfield, and the injured Chris Scannell- it still looks a formality for the Belfast side however.

8/15 Cliftonville
12/5 Draw
5/1 Armagh


Coleraine v Donegal Celtic
The Bannsiders have been in flying form of late; although their cup exit at the hands of Distillery may leave them a little deflated. They face a DC side who have gone 3 games unbeaten in the league, and who travel well. Paddy Kelly must plot without the services of Pat McAllister, and Paul McVeigh will be looking to continue his goalscoring run. Anything other than a Coleraine win would be a surprise.

4/6 Coleraine
12/5 Draw
7/2 Donegal Celtic


Crusaders v Ballymena United
Difficult to know what to expect from this duo. The Sky Blues are predictably unpredictable, Crusaders may still be groggy after 4 consecutive home league reversals. Chris Morrow misses out for the Belfast side. Honours are even in this term's meetings with a win apiece and a draw between them. However I think this is about Crusaders level, and I take them to win this game. I've spotted EVS and bigger on them around the place, that is our weekend punt.

10/11 Crusaders
9/4 Draw
5/2 Ballymena



Glenavon v Lisburn Distillery
Lisburn Distillery had been setting the table alight with their form until Coleraine sneaked a win against them last time out. Well the Whites have avenged that defeat and now face the inconsistent Lurgan Blues. Conor Walsh and Gavin McDonnell sit this one out for Colin Malone's side, who have new striker David Bracken available. Darren Armour is out of Paul Kirk's plans, and Gareth McKeown will not be selected as he moves to Portadown next week. The Whites to return to winning ways in the league.

9/4 Glenavon
9/4 Draw
EVS Lisburn


Glentoran v Dungannon Swifts
People remain unconvinced by the Glenmen's title credentials, but almost tw-thirds of the way through the season they are still on top. Windy's men were merciless against Armagh last time out, but were unimpressive against Ballymoney in the cup. Nonetheless, while Gary Hamilton remains fit and interested they can score goals against anyone; unfortunately the same cannot be said of the Swifts. True they walloped 7 past lower division opposition midweek, but they'll not find Messrs. Leeman and Co. as benevolent. That being said, the home side have doubts regarding the fitness of Gary Smyth and Kyle Neill. I like the Glens to win, don't like the price however.

4/9 Glentoran
13/5 Draw
6/1 Dungannon


Limavady United v Loughgall
JC has overseen a subtle renaissance at the Roesiders, who are unbeaten in their last four league outings. Loughgall are still waiting for their first league win, and the absence of Noel Robinson , Darragh Peden and Bryan Pentland suggest that not much will change in their 'W' column this week.

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


Linfield v Portadown
The best 'til last. A lipsmackin' showdown at Windsor when Portadown get to measure their recent achievements against the mother of all yardsticks. Not the week to be without Allan Smart and Peter Kennedy through suspension; their absence suggests that Michael Collins and John Convery will play, in spite of fitness concerns. Kevin Braniff has impressed thus far for Ronnie's Reds. DJ waits on Paul McAreavey, but the arrival of Conor Downey illustrates the depth of quality available to the Blues boss. If Smart played I'd be backing Ports, but without his threat I prefer the draw for small money.

5/6 Linfield
12/5 Draw
13/5 Portadown