Matchday 21 of the Sports Direct Premiership sees Linfield on home turf for the last game before Christmas, Glenavon the welcome visitors to Windsor Park (3pm k.o.). The teams last met at Mourneview Park in August, with Linfield taking the spoils from a 3-0 victory. 

Glenavon have had a challenging campaign as they determinedly look to pull clear of the relegation zone. Recently appointed manager Paddy McLaughlin brings his team to Belfast on the back of a home win over Crusaders on Tuesday night (3-1). One player to watch is teenager Chris Atherton who attracted huge publicity when making his senior debut at the tender age of 13 years and 329 days and, now aged 16, has established himself in the 1st team panel .

Linfield also enjoyed a midweek win, 1-0 in the top of the table clash with Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. This tightly contested affair was settled by Joel Cooper who found the net with a low strike early in the second half. Unfortunately Joel is now unavailable having picked up a 5th yellow card of the season. 

David Healy will expect a tough 90 minutes as his side protect a commanding 11 point advantage at the top of the table. Glenavon may be 11th but The Blues must maintain the momentum gathered in recent weeks with 3 more points.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.