Matchday 8 of the Sports Direct Premiership sees Linfield return to action at Windsor Park, entertaining Carrick Rangers (3pm k.o.). 

Carrick Rangers have had a challenging start to the season and a run of 6 straight defeats sees them anchored to the bottom of the table. In their last outing they were beaten 4-1 by Ballymena United at Loughview Leisure Arena.

Manager Stuart King has assembled an experienced squad which includes new arrivals Luke McCullough and Seanan Clucas, both from Glentoran, and Paul Heatley (Crusaders).

Linfield remain in pole position in the table after the mid-week scoreless draw at Cliftonville. In a tight encounter of few chances, the teams effectively cancelled each other out. For Linfield there was, however, a welcome first league start of the season for inspirational skipper Jamie Mulgrew.

Although the teams sit at opposite ends of the table, David Healy will not allow his Blues side to underestimate a Carrick side determined to turn their season around. 

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.