Linfield begin 2026 on home soil with Bangor the welcome visitors to Windsor Park (3pm k.o., all-ticket). The teams have already met twice this season, both at Clandeboye Park, with Linfield winning 3-0 and 1-0.
Bangor have made a seamless transition from the Championship to Premiership after an absence of 16 years and sit 7th in the table. Manager Lee Feeney has been validated in his decision to retain many of his key players, including talismanic striker Ben Arthurs. The Bangor manager has also astutely added vital Premiership experience to his squad in former Linfield players Gareth Deane and Mark Haughey. Last time out The Seasiders enjoyed a 2-0 home win over Ballymena United.
Linfield have endured a disappointing festive period losing three games on the bounce with defeat at the Coleraine Showgrounds (1-3) the latest. The Blues have slipped down the Sports Direct Premiership table and will look to climb back up immediately.
Manager David Healy will demand a convincing performance against a well drilled, physically strong, Bangor side and hope to see a quick return to winning ways.
COYB!
By Ken Garrett.
