Linfield return to home soil with Crusaders the welcome visitors to Windsor Park (3pm k.o. all-ticket). The teams have already met this season at the same venue with Linfield winning 1-0 through a goal from Chris McKee. 

Crusaders have endured a tough season and sit 10th in the Sports Direct Premiership table. In their last outing they fell to a third consecutive Premiership defeat, conceding four goals (0-4) to Portadown at Seaview. Manager Declan Caddell will be looking for a response from his players when they cross the line on Saturday.

Linfield head into the congested festive fixture list poised nicely at 3rd in the Premiership table, with games in hand and unbeaten in their last 7 league games. As the title race approaches the halfway point, The Blues will keep pushing onwards and upwards.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.