Linfield are back on home turf for Matchday 26 of the Sports Direct Premiership, welcoming Crusaders to Windsor Park (3pm k.o., all-ticket). The teams have met twice previously this season with Linfield winning on both occasions (2-0 at Windsor Park and  1-0 at Seaview).

Crusaders have had a recent dip in form with 3 defeats on the bounce, all at home. This includes a surprise reversal against Championship side Ards, going out of the Clearer Water Irish Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Linfield were in BetMcLean Cup action this week, recording a hard fought 2-1 win at Dungannon Swifts. 2-goal Kyle McClean grabbed the headlines as The Blues’ 10 men held out against a determined home side to secure their place in the final in March at Windsor Park.

It is another big weekend in the Premiership with Linfield looking to stay ahead of the chasing pack in the title race.

COYB! 

By Ken Garrett.