Linfield are on the road for Matchday 9 of the Sports Direct Premiership, visiting Coleraine (The Showgrounds, 3pm k.o. all-ticket). 

For Coleraine the new season has heralded massive changes as they adopt a full time model for the first time. Changes at management level have seen Oran Kearney move into the role of Sporting Director, with former Dungannon Swifts boss Dean Shiels appointed Head Coach. 

On the pitch a raft of experienced players have left the club to be replaced by, among others, Cameron Stewart, Rhyss Campbell and Dylan Boyle, while they have retained the services of strikers Matthew Shevlin and Jamie McGonigle. And a solid start has followed, with just one league defeat, including a 2-0 home win over Loughgall last time out. 

Linfield strengthened their lead at the top of the table with a hard fought 1-0 win over resilient Carrick Rangers at Windsor Park, with the deadlock finally broken deep into added time when Kirk Millar stepped up to fire home from an exquisite free-kick. 

The Blues can expect a tough game at The Showgrounds with both sides looking for the 3 points.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.