Danske Bank Premiership
(All games 3pm)
Coleraine v Ballymena United
COLERAINE have hit a bump in road recently, winning one of their last five in the league, while Ballymena seem to have got over their slump, winning three out of the last three.
Oran Kearney’s men will have to do without Aaron Jarvis over Christmas, with the midfielder, who has been in scintillating form, ruled out for three months with an injury he picked up earlier this month.
Ballymena will fancy themselves to get something out of this.
Odds: H: 4/7, D: 11/4, A: 7/2
Verdict: Draw
Crusaders v Cliftonville
THE Reds ground out a morale-boosting victory over Coleraine last time out, while Crusaders were denied a win at Windsor Park by a late Joel Cooper equaliser.
While Cliftonville will be on a high following Saturday’s win, their mood may have been slightly dampened by the news Ruaidhrí Donnelly will miss the derby due to an ankle injury sustained against Coleraine.
Crusaders have had their own sticky patch of late and will be keen to get back to winning ways.
Odds: H: 6/5, D: 13/5, A: 13/8
Verdict: Crusaders
Glenavon v Dungannon Swifts
WHICH Glenavon will turn up on St Stephen’s Day – the one which went to Institute and won 4-1 or the one which went to Carrick and lost 6-2?
In fairness to Gary Hamilton’s men, they were unlucky to go down to an injury-time sucker-punch at Ballymena last Friday.
Dungannon will be without Douglas Wilson and captain Seanan Clucas after they were shown red cards in Saturday’s draw with Institute.
Odds: H: 4/6, D: 16/5, A: 13/5
Verdict: Glenavon
Glentoran v Linfield
GLENTORAN minds will be focused on the welfare of the Kane family after their captain Marcus suffered the tragic loss of his baby son Harrie last week.
Linfield are in sterling form and will have been boosted by that late equaliser against Crusaders.
Another Linfield win at the Oval will ensure the Blues go into 2020 on top of the table.
Odds: H: 6/4, D: 11/4, A: 13/10
Verdict: Linfield
Institute v Warrenpoint Town
THE fractious draw at Dungannon and its aftermath deprives Institute of the services of the suspended Niall Grace and Gareth Brown for this game.
Warrenpoint’s November revival is beginning to look like an aberration as they have gone down to three straight defeats so far in December. A result today, though, would be a reward for the long journey.
Odds: H: 4/5, D: 11/4, A: 5/2
Verdict: Warrenpoint
Larne v Carrick Rangers
THE entire Carrick community has had a tough couple of weeks attempting to absorb the death of Jerry Thompson. Larne will no doubt give them a warm welcome on St Stephen’s Day as Thompson was a former player of theirs.
On the pitch, Larne have had a positive December so far and will be keen to kick on over Christmas.
Odds: H: 1/4, D: 9/2, A: 13/2
Verdict: Larne
