In The Swifts and Coleraine We Trust

Newry City v Loughgall

Defender Glenn Waddell begins a two game ban for Loughgall, who have managed just a single point on the road this season; boss Shane Reddish has been making angry sounds this week, and changes are imminent following a perceived lack of effort from the Villagers squad. A perfect opportunity then for managerial novice, Gerry Flynn, to get his new career off the mark against the division's most dismal side. Flynn has Peter Hyndes back from a ban and Cormac McArdle returning from injury. Looks a Newry win, but there's better value elsewhere this weekend.

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


Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts

Cliftonville are without central defensive duo Davy McAlinden and Declan O' Hara; as well as the influential midfielder George McMullan, thanks to the vagaries of the IFA's disciplinary procedures. The Reds seek to stretch their unbeaten league run to 8 games against the Swifts, who are unsullied by suspensions. Harry Fay's side have offered a mixed bag of late; but their recent victory at the Oval will be on Eddie Patterson's mind, as well as his side's unbeaten home record. Most bookies look to have priced this without reference to Reds injury problems, El Punter's money is on Dungannon.

10/11 Cliftonville
9/4 Draw
5/2 Dungannon


Crusaders v Lisburn Distillery

David Rainey will sit this one out for the Hatchetmen, who have rediscovered their form of late. Meanwhile, Paul Kirk's men have put their great mid-season run behind them, and must field without Conor Hagan, Stuart Thompson and Ryan Catney. Whenever Stephen Baxter's men have lost at home in the league this season they have conceded three goals; I can't see the Whites scaling those heights in a game where only a win will do for both teams. I'll sit this one out.

5/4 Crusaders
9/4 Draw
7/4 Lisburn


Glenavon v Donegal Celtic

Colin Malone will be without Ross Black for this one, but it's up front where his real concerns lie. The Lurgan Blues outplayed Lisburn Distillery last time out yet managed to find themselves turned over 4-1. Nothing less than victory will be accomodated against a DC eleven who have not won on their travels this term. Paddy Kelly's men will miss the input of Pat McAllister who begins a four-match ban today; victory for his side would lift them above their opponents, and further away from the relegation quicksands. Two teams not to be trusted for betting purposes.

5/4 Glenavon
9/4 Draw
7/4 Donegal Celtic


Glentoran v Larne

Paul Millar will have a Big Mac on the bench with him for this game. Will Alan McDonald's influence help to put the handbrake on the Cock and Hens alarming descent into also-ran land? One win in 7 outings is the stuff of freefall. 10 from 12 is the stuff of Champions, although mid-table anonymity will satisfy Paul Curran's side at this stage. Aaron Black's absence will leave a big gap in the side which managed a step-up with a scoreless draw with Crusaders on their last outing. An intriguing tie but not one for betting.

3/10 Glentoran
10/3 Draw
15/2 Larne


Limavady United v Coleraine

In spite of losing crucial squad members during the transfer window, John Cunningham has continued to extract some fine performances from his men. The combined suspensions of Martin Cutmore and John Curran will further complicate things for the Roesiders. Points mean prizes, and they need to start picking some up. Coleraine have won an incredible 8 league games on the bounce; they have become addicted to the winning habit and will be determined to assert their advantage in the battle for entry to the top four. The money's on Coleraine.

5/2 Limavady
9/4 Draw
10/11 Coleraine


Linfield v Ballymena United

It has to be a Blue Day for someone in this interesting Irish cup full dress rehearsal. Tommy Wright's men, for whom Gavin Melaugh and Garth Scates are unavailable due to suspension, have been as consistent as they can be of late. The predictability of Linfield is the most powerful force at work here however; unbeaten since opening day, they peppered the Sky Blue's back four when these two locked horns by the Braid in October. Home win, but at that price I can let it pass.

2/7 Linfield
7/2 Draw
15/2 Ballymena


Portadown v Armagh City

There wasn't much between these two when Ports took the points at Holm Park earlier this season. Since then Ronnie's men have impressed onlookers with their solid consistency. Mickey Collins appears to be back on board as the Reds endeavour to re-impose themselves on the title chase. Kieran O'Connor and Liam Cullen are unavailable for Gary McKinstry, whose side picked up maximum points last time out, following 4 consecutive reversals. Include Ports if you are dealing with a 19th century style minimum trebles layer.

2/5 Portadown
11/4 Draw
13/2 Armagh City