Linfield are back on home turf for Matchday 19 of the Sports Direct Premiership, welcoming Dungannon Swifts FC to Windsor Park (3pm k.o. all-ticket). The teams have already met once this season, with Linfield winning  3-2 at Stangmore Park in August. 

Dungannon have pulled clear of the relegation zone after recent wins over Newry City (4-1) and Loughgall (2-1). However, in their last outing they lost at home to Cliftonville (1-4). On Saturday, Swifts will be without the services of on-loan Linfield striker Ethan Devine, who is unable to play against his parent club.  

Linfield enjoyed a massive boost with a win over Larne in Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final tie at a chilly Inver Park. After a scoreless 90 minutes, the game ignited in extra time with the teams scoring two goals apiece. A tense penalty shoot out followed and The Blues held firm to win the tie (3-2 pens). A night to remember for the large contingent of Linfield supporters who braved the elements!

As the busy December fixture list continues, Linfield are well positioned at the top of the Premiership table, 1 point ahead of Larne with a game in hand. It is another big afternoon of football at Windsor Park this Saturday, with 3 valuable points at stake for both teams.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.