Linfield are back on the road for Matchday 16 of the Sports Direct Premiership, travelling to face Larne at Inver Park (5.30pm k.o. all ticket). The teams have already met once this season, Larne recording a 1-0 win at Windsor Park. 

Larne have endured a disrupted league campaign due to the postponement of several games because of the team's prolonged participation in the UEFA Conference League. The Inver Reds currently sit 9th in the table, 11 points behind Linfield, and manager Tiernan Lynch will have been delighted with last Sunday's 2-1 home win over Coleraine. In their most recent outing they defeated Crusaders 2-0 in the semi final of the Co. Antrim Senior Shield.

Linfield manager David Healy will expect another tough encounter against a Larne side with ground to make up. The Blues have, despite a long injury list, shown great resolve to remain ahead of the chasing pack in what is perhaps the most open title race in recent seasons. 

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.