It’s home advantage for Linfield on Matchday 15 of the Sports Direct Premiership, welcoming Ballymena United to Windsor Park (3pm k.o.). The teams met at The Showgrounds on the opening day of the season with Linfield winning 2-0. 

After an impressive run of 8 league wins on the trot, the 3rd placed Sky Blues have hit the buffers, losing their last 3 Premiership games, and last time out they suffered a disappointing 0-3 home defeat to Portadown.

Manager Jim Ervin will bring his side to Windsor looking for a big result to put their title challenge back on track. Outstanding for the Braidmen has been ex-Crusaders midfielder Ben Kennedy who has found the net 11 times this season. 

Linfield increased their lead at the top of the table to 5 points with a hard fought 3-1 win over Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue. After conceding an early deflected goal The Blues showed resolve and patience in scoring 3 second half goals to secure full points. A different but very enjoyable way for the large numbers of travelling Bluemen to spend their Sunday lunchtime.

It promises to be a very competitive 90 minutes of football on Saturday with both teams determined to underline their credentials as title contenders. 

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.