Linfield are back in Saturday afternoon Sports Direct Premiership action when welcoming Carrick Rangers to Windsor Park (3pm k.o. all-ticket). This is the first meeting of the season between the teams.

After a strong start to the season, Rangers now find themselves in the relegation zone, 11th in the table, and come to Windsor Park after back-to-back home defeats to Portadown and Crusaders. Manager Stephen Baxter will look to the experience of summer signings Adam Leckey, Jimmy Callacher and Billy Joe Burns, all recruited from his old club Crusaders. On-loan Linfield defender Ryan McKay is ineligible to face his parent club. 

In a busy week for David Healy’s men, victories over Bangor and Crusaders see The Blues now focused on recording their third win in 7 days. Linfield will expect a tough game against a Carrick side battling hard to pull themselves clear of the relegation zone. 

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.