Linfield are on the road for their penultimate game in the 2024/25 Sports Direct Premiership facing Larne at Inver Park (7,45pm ko, all-ticket). There will be full coverage of the game streamed live on the BBC iPlayer. The teams last met back in February at Windsor Park with Linfield winning 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Kieran Offord. 

 

Larne have endured a demanding season managing their domestic campaign around participation in the UEFA Conference League. Further disruption saw manager Kieran Lynch depart mid-season for Derry City, replaced by Nathan Rooney who was forced to relinquish the role having been found to be unqualified, leaving Head Coach Gary Haveron to take over the reins at the club! 

 

Sitting 3rd in the table the Inver Reds are locked with 2nd placed Glentoran in the battle for the automatic European qualification slot. In their last outing they recorded a hard fought crucial win (2-1) over Coleraine at the Showgrounds. 

 

Linfield continued to impress with another match winning performance at Windsor Park when defeating Dungannon Swifts 2-0. David Healy underlined the strength in depth of his squad making several changes to his starting XI including MotM Dane McCullough.  

 

Linfield can expect a difficult night under the Inver Park floodlights against a vastly experienced Larne side. Hopefully though it will be an away day win to remember for the large numbers of travelling Linfield faithful! COYB! 

 

Ken Garrett.