Lisburn and Swifts to pay our way to Setantaville

Glentoran v Newry City
Friday night football for the Glens, who've endured another trying week. Question marks are being placed after question marks with reference to the paper-bag defending of Paul Millar's side. They had to endure extra-time on a sticky surface on Tuesday night and the legs may still be a bit heavy, especially after having another potential route to silverware blocked off. That CIS Cup success is beginning to look priceless. Nevertheless they should have enough in reserve to dismiss the challenge of a Newry City side which can ill afford the absence of the talismanic Paddy McLaughlin.

4/11 Glentoran
3/1 Draw
13/2 Newry City


Portadown v Larne
Another side to lose a pivotal player are the Ports. John Convery's injury has come at a dreadful time, with the Setanta Cup looming. Gareth McKeown is an able deputy tonight against a Larne side who should have Colm Kearney back from injury. Unfortunately Aaron Black is again unavailable through suspension, likewise Julian Ward. Paul Curran's side have shown that they they won't lie down for anyone; but Ronnie's Reds are a class above them.

1/4 Portadown
7/2 Draw
9/1 Larne


Armagh City v Lisburn Distillery
Having won six league games on the bounce, the Whites have followed that up with one win in six. The Eagles have returned empty handed in five of their last six league outings. Uninspiring stuff, but these are two sides who never fail to surprise or disappoint for that matter. Lisburn have the ability to win this game quite comfortably, and Armagh always have the ability to concede a bag load of goals. I'm punting Lisburn here.

2/1 Armagh
9/4 Draw
11/10 Lisburn


Ballymena United v Dungannon Swifts
It's top of the bottom half versus bottom of the top half by the Braid.The Sky Blues have finally begun to achieve something akin to consistency of effort and performance; but as their on the 'top sides' fixture rota there haven't been too many points forthcoming. The Swifts are on the same fixture rota; equally they have not been amassing points, just three defeats in a row. Week upon week Harry Fay's side are suffering the striking equivalent of brewer's droop, and they are in serious danger of collecting a fourth should they take their eye off the ball against Tommy Wright's charges. However I will persevere with the Swifts and back them to go in to the Setanta Cup with 3 extra points in the bag.

13/8 Ballymena
2/1 Draw
6/4 Dungannon


Cliftonville v Loughgall
Loughgall, who've collected 1 point from a possible thirty on the road this season challenge the division's only remaining unbeaten home record. One for the accumulators.

1/4 Cliftonville
7/2 Draw
9/1 Loughgall


Crusaders v Coleraine
This is a tasty pairing...two sides who can still maintain fantasies of a fourth place finish, and a single point separating them. John Neill is suspended for the Bannsiders who surrendered their eight game winning streak last time out. The Crues have been in decent form of late without setting the league on fire - one defeat in six is not a bad ratio. I don't think it's one for betting on.

6/5 Crusaders
11/5 Draw
15/8 Coleraine


Limavady United v Glenavon
David Bracken is available for the Mourneview side; his red card of last week has been appealed. Steven Caffrey's whereabouts remain a mystery, and the Lurgan Blues continue to be a side which amounts to less than the sum of its parts. Curiously, they've collected more points on the road than at home, and are always capable of springing an unlikely result. Colin Malone's side can feel the cold wind of relegation play-offs blowing up their shorts and desperately need the three points. The Roesiders have delighted their fans with their efforts of late, the dismissal of Coleraine last week was a particular high, and victory here could take them within a point of Ballymena United - dizzy heights and all that. Neither side to be trusted with money though.

11/10 Limavady
9/4 Draw
2/1 Glenavon


Linfield v Donegal Celtic
It may be a historic occasion, but there are still only three points on offer. Daithi Mor's selection should be interesting given that the Blues face Drogheda United on Monday night. DC have been an irritant to the top sides on the road this season, and would love to take a point away from Windsor Park, never mind three. They've lost only one of their last seven games, but remain perilously close to the relegation turnstile. Pat McAllister continues his spectator duties thanks to a hefty suspension. The draw is reasonable value if you must have a bet, I wouldn't put Linfield in to any accumulators.

2/7 Linfield
7/2 Draw
15/2 Donegal Celtic