After an opening weekend that produced plenty of talking points, the Premiership returns with six more fixtures. There are huge games at both ends of the table, including a first league outing for Larne, and a massive Big Two clash at Windsor Park.
Bangor vs Cliftonville
Bangor finally get their league campaign underway at home to Cliftonville, having missed the opening weekend due to Larne’s European commitments. The Seasiders will hope to replicate last season’s opening-day success against the Reds, when they won 3-1 at Clandeboye Park.
Despite being tipped for a relegation battle, Bangor have recruited well. Steven McCullough brings valuable experience, while Jeremí Rodríguez could provide an exciting attacking option. Ben Arthurs’ return from suspension is another boost.
Cliftonville will be looking to build on last week’s North Belfast derby victory, although their record at Clandeboye Park was not impressive last season, picking up just one point from a possible six. Jim Magilton’s young side showed plenty of promise against Crusaders but will need to be more clinical with their chances.
Coleraine vs Larne
The headline fixture of the weekend sees two of the leading title contenders meet in only the second gameweek. Coleraine started with an impressive 3-1 victory over Dungannon Swifts, while Larne will finally begin their league defence after their European commitments.
There is already plenty of needle surrounding this one, with Gary Haveron’s comments about Coleraine’s squad and Ruadhrí Higgins’ response adding extra spice. On the pitch, it is an intriguing battle between Coleraine’s attacking quality and Larne’s renowned defensive strength.
The Bannsiders will want to make the most of home advantage and send an early message in the title race, while Larne will be determined to start their defence strongly. It could be an early statement game for both.
Crusaders vs Ballymena United
Crusaders return to Seaview looking for a response after their disappointing derby defeat to Cliftonville. Home form will be crucial if they are to avoid another difficult campaign, but they face a major test against a Ballymena side who produced the result of the opening weekend.
Oran Kearney’s men dismantled Linfield 3-0 at Windsor Park, with former Blues man Chris McKee scoring twice. The Sky Blues will be full of confidence and will want to show that performance was the beginning of something rather than a one-off.
For Crusaders, a strong response is needed. They showed glimpses at Solitude but will need to be more competitive against a Ballymena side that currently looks full of confidence.
Limavady United vs Carrick Rangers
Premiership football returns to the Limavady Showgrounds as the newly-promoted side welcome Carrick Rangers. Limavady impressed in spells against Glentoran last weekend and held their own for long periods before eventually falling to a 2-0 defeat.
Carrick, meanwhile, made a winning start against Portadown, with Paul Heatley’s goal settling a feisty encounter at Taylor’s Avenue. Stephen Baxter’s experienced side showed once again that they cannot be underestimated.
Both sides will see this as a realistic opportunity to pick up points, making this an intriguing early-season meeting.
Linfield vs Glentoran
It doesn’t get much bigger than this. Linfield and Glentoran meet at Windsor Park with both sides having very different feelings about their opening weekends.
Linfield’s 3-0 defeat to Ballymena United was a disastrous start, with supporters voicing their frustration at the final whistle. After a disappointing summer in Europe and the transfer market, David Healy’s side are already under pressure – and there is no better place to respond than in a Big Two derby.
Glentoran, by contrast, began with a professional 2-0 victory over Limavady United. Declan Devine’s side will know that Linfield are vulnerable and will be looking to attack them from the outset.
Victory could provide Linfield with the perfect response. Another defeat, however, could make an already difficult situation considerably more uncomfortable.
Portadown vs Dungannon Swifts
Both Portadown and Dungannon Swifts will be looking for their first points of the season after opening-day defeats.
David Jeffrey will take charge of his first home Premiership game as Portadown manager and will want his side to respond positively. The squad is still coming together, but there is plenty of ambition around the club.
Dungannon were always facing a difficult task against Coleraine last weekend, but Rodney McAree has built a side capable of competing in the top half. The Swifts will want to get off the mark sooner rather than later.
With both sides looking to bounce back, this could be a closely fought encounter at Shamrock Park.
