Coleraine v Ballymena
(Monday, 3pm)
Although Coleraine lie in sixth spot and Ballymena as just below them in seventh, it’s not just the A26 the separates these club, but a 10-point which David Jeffrey’s side will look to chip away at on Monday at the Showgrounds.
The Braidmen do have a game in hand ahead of their trip to the Ballycastle Road venue, but will face a Coleraine team who have won their last three league games on the trot.
Both saw their games last weekend fall foul of the weather – Coleraine’s trip to Newry last Friday night and Ballymena’s home game against league leaders Larne were postponed.
Ballymena’s last outing was the December 10 defeat to bottom club Portadown. That followed two wins on the bounce, which included a 4-1 thumping of title-chasing Cliftonville
The Bannsiders’ own title chances may have faded now, but they will look to cement their top six spot with a win in this festive fixture.
They are unbeaten in the league since November 8 and have won their last three league games as well as booking their place in the BetMcLean League Cup final following their semi-final win over Cliftonville.
Glenavon v Portadown
(Monday, 3pm)
Of all the clubs who saw their matches postponed, Portadown probably wished they were among them. The Ports looked to have turned a corner with recent excellent performances against Newry City and Ballymena, only for their 3-1 win over the former to be overturned and their trip to Solitude last weekend to result in a 4-1 defeat.
Still, manager Niall Currie will have seen enough in recent weeks to provide some semblance of optimism and it will take little to motivate them for the short trip to Mourneview Park on Monday.
They might fancy their chances against a Glenavon side who have won just one of their last five games in the league. Their match against Crusaders was postponed last weekend and their last win came on November 8, albeit over title-chasing Glentoran.
That was part of decent spell for the Lurgan Blues, which saw wins over Ballymena and Carrick and a draw with Cliftonville.
If they can rediscover that form, then they can claim a derby win but Portadown will feel this is one they can collect three points from too.
