Linfield are in midweek league action with Portadown the visitors to Windsor Park (7.45pm k.o. all ticket).

The teams have already met twice this season, with both sides winning their home games. Linfield recorded a 2–1 victory at Windsor Park, while Portadown responded with a 2–0 win at Shamrock Park.

Portadown, currently sitting 8th in the Sports Direct Premiership table, have endured a season plagued by inconsistency. In their last outing they left The Showgrounds with a point after a 1–1 draw with hosts Ballymena United. Having collected just one point from their last five away games, manager Niall Currie will be hoping for an improvement in form on the road.

The Ports will be without the services of on-loan Linfield striker Rhys Annett, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Linfield will be determined to make a quick return to winning ways after a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Cliftonville at Solitude. As the season moves towards the split, David Healy will view every remaining game in the title race as a cup tie for his side.

The Blues will be hoping to produce the match winning performance needed to reignite their title challenge.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett