The wait is finally over.
After months of anticipation, the Boyle Sports Premiership returns this weekend with an opening round of fixtures that promises drama from the very first whistle. A North Belfast Derby kicks off the campaign on Friday night before four fascinating encounters on Saturday, with every club eager to make the perfect start to the new season.
Cliftonville vs Crusaders (Friday, Solitude)
There could hardly be a better way to begin the new Premiership campaign than a North Belfast Derby under the lights at Solitude.
Local bragging rights are always at stake when Cliftonville and Crusaders meet, and both sides will be desperate to start the season with three points. The Reds will look to make home advantage count as they target another top-six finish and a strong cup campaign, while Crusaders will be determined to put last season’s struggles behind them and begin a new campaign under Declan Caddell on a positive note.
Meetings between these sides rarely disappoint. Cliftonville won all three meetings between the sides last season last season, including two at Solitude, but form often counts for little when derby day arrives. Expect another fiercely contested encounter to get the new campaign underway.
Carrick Rangers vs Portadown
Two clubs hoping to continue their upward trajectory meet at Taylor’s Avenue in what promises to be one of the weekend’s most intriguing contests.
Carrick Rangers exceeded expectations last season with a historic seventh-place finish, while Portadown comfortably secured their Premiership status by finishing 8th. Both clubs will believe they are capable of pushing even higher this year, making an opening-day victory all the more important.
There is also a fascinating managerial battle on the touchline, with Stephen Baxter taking on new Portadown boss David Jeffrey. Two of the league’s most experienced managers facing off should add another layer to what looks a finely balanced fixture.
Dungannon Swifts vs Coleraine
One of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend sees last season’s Irish Cup finalists meet once again.
Coleraine edged a thrilling final 3-2 to lift the trophy, and the Bannsiders will arrive at Stangmore Park hoping to begin their much-anticipated title challenge with three points. With significant investment made over the summer, expectations are high at The Showgrounds.
Dungannon, however, have built a reputation for making life difficult for every opponent they face. Rodney McAree’s side continue to punch above their weight, while the return of Jamie Glackin adds another interesting subplot as he prepares to face his former club. If the Swifts can claim a positive result here, it would send an early message to the rest of the division.
Glentoran vs Limavady United
Limavady United’s long-awaited return to the Premiership begins with a difficult trip to The BetMcLean Oval.
Paul Owens’ side earned promotion through an outstanding Championship campaign and have strengthened intelligently over the summer. While survival remains the primary objective, Limavady will travel to east Belfast believing they are capable of causing an upset.
Glentoran, meanwhile, have been relatively quiet in the transfer market but still possess one of the strongest squads in the division. After falling short in last season’s title race, Declan Devine’s side will want to make an immediate statement and underline their credentials from the opening weekend.
Linfield vs Ballymena United
Perhaps no fixture carries more intrigue than Saturday’s meeting at Windsor Park.
Five players swapped Linfield for Ballymena United during the summer, adding plenty of extra spice to the opening-day encounter. Oran Kearney has assembled an exciting squad on paper, although it may take time for so many new arrivals to develop the chemistry needed over a long campaign.
Linfield also have a point to prove. Following an early European exit and a disappointing league campaign by their own high standards, David Healy’s side are under pressure to make a positive start. With quality throughout both squads and several familiar faces lining up against their former club, this has all the ingredients to be one of the games of the weekend.
