Linfield return to Sports Direct Premiership action on Saturday with Ballymena United again the visitors to Windsor Park (3.00pm k.o. all-ticket). Less than 72 hours since their last trip to South Belfast, The Sky Blues will look to avenge defeat by 1–0 in the midweek BetMcLean Cup semi-final at the same venue.

A season dominated by the Achilles heel of inconsistency means Ballymena United currently sit 10th in the league table, just one point above the relegation zone, and experienced manager Oran Kearney will be keen to address this. The Utd boss has been busy strengthening his squad with a mix of experience and quality, including former Glentoran players Sean Murray and Shane McEleney, Dean Ebbe (Dundalk) and Bradley Wade (Waterford FC) during the January transfer window.

Linfield players and supporters alike have had cause for celebration after Isaac Baird’s headed goal secured a place in the BetMcLean Cup Final on 15 March at Windsor Park (the third such final in four seasons). However, The Blues, themselves strengthened by the addition of Darragh Leahy and Adam Frizzell, must continue to put points on the board in league action to keep their title challenge firmly on track. David Healy will send his men out to do just that this afternoon.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett