Another Sunday, another Sports Direct Premiership game, as Linfield entertain North Belfast rivals Cliftonville (3pm k.o. all ticket). 

Cliftonville have made an indifferent start to their league campaign, losing at newly promoted Bangor (1-3) followed by home draws with Coleraine (0-0) and Larne (1-1). Manager Jim Magilton has been busy rebuilding his squad after a raft of departures from Solitude and new arrivals include Darien Wauchope (Mansfield), Tom Lavery (Sunderland) and Rhyss Campbell (Coleraine). 

Linfield manager David Healy has also been active in the transfer market with Sean Brown (Larne), Sam Talyor (Tranmere Rovers) and Matty Yates (Stenhousemuir) all signing on at Windsor Park.

The Blues made a solid start to the defence of their league title with a 3-0 home win over Dungannon Swifts on the opening day of the season, though the team will look to quickly regroup after Thursday night’s frustrating UEFA Conference League defeat away to Shelbourne. 

It promises to be another feisty Belfast derby with no quarter asked nor given. The Blues will go all out to make a quick return to winning ways and bank another 3 points.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.