Another intriguing weekend of Premiership action is upon us, with six fixtures spread across Friday and Saturday – including a meeting between two of the league’s early pace-setters and a potentially fascinating clash at the top of the table.
There is plenty at stake across the division. Some sides are looking to build on strong starts, while others are already searching for a response after difficult opening weeks. With the table beginning to take shape, every point is becoming increasingly valuable.
Larne vs Glentoran (Friday)
This fixture is always one to watch, and Friday’s meeting at Inver Park should be no different.
Larne return to Premiership action following the disappointment of their European campaign and will be looking to get their title defence properly underway. Having drawn 0-0 with Coleraine in their last league outing, Gary Haveron’s side will want to put points on the board and begin building momentum.
Glentoran, meanwhile, need a response after a disappointing showing against Crusaders last weekend. There was some encouragement in midweek, however, as a youthful Glens side defeated Linfield in the County Antrim Shield. Declan Devine is already under some pressure, but a positive result here could quickly change the mood.
The return of Conor McMenamin is a major boost for Glentoran, although history is against them – the Glens have not won at Inver Park since May 2021.
Bangor vs Ballymena United
Bangor remain one of three Premiership sides yet to register a point, and last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Carrick Rangers was a particularly disappointing afternoon. Lee Feeney admitted afterwards that the scoreline could have been even worse.
There was at least a confidence boost in midweek, with Bangor defeating H&W Welders 4-0 in the County Antrim Shield. The challenge now is transferring that performance into the league. Goals have been an issue and the defensive problems need to be addressed quickly.
Ballymena United will provide another stern test. Their impressive opening-day victory over Linfield has not yet been followed up, with defeats to Crusaders and Glentoran since. Oran Kearney still has a strong squad at his disposal, though, and the Sky Blues will see this as an opportunity to return to winning ways.
Cliftonville vs Portadown
Cliftonville made a solid start to the campaign but have dipped slightly over the last couple of games. Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Dungannon Swifts was below the standard Jim Magilton will expect, making this an important opportunity to get their season moving in the right direction again.
They will have to do so without Harry Wilson, who is suspended, but Solitude remains a difficult place for visiting teams. Cliftonville will be expected to attack the game and look for a response.
Portadown’s difficult start was compounded in midweek as they suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to derby rivals Glenavon in the Mid-Ulster Cup. That makes it five consecutive defeats for David Jeffrey’s side, who are still searching for their first league point.
There is understandable emphasis on allowing a new-look squad time to gel, but Portadown need results sooner rather than later. Glenavon’s disastrous start last season – losing their opening nine league games – is a reminder of how quickly early-season problems can become difficult to escape.
Limavady United vs Dungannon Swifts
This could prove to be something of a banana skin for Dungannon Swifts.
Limavady have yet to pick up a point, but their performances have generally shown enough to suggest they are capable of competing at this level. The arrival of Jamie McGonigle on loan from Coleraine provides another significant attacking option, and the Roesiders now need to turn promising spells into sustained performances across 90 minutes.
Dungannon, meanwhile, have been one of the early stories of the season. Rodney McAree’s side are exceptionally well-drilled and have picked up three wins from their opening four league games.
They will go into this one looking for another three points, but cannot afford to take Limavady lightly. If the hosts can maintain their best spells for longer, this could be much closer than the league positions suggest.
Linfield vs Carrick Rangers
This could potentially be the game that flies under the radar when it comes to the weekend’s best contest.
Linfield have responded well after their opening-day defeat to Ballymena, winning their last three league games and gradually building momentum. David Healy’s side will expect to take all three points at Windsor Park, but Carrick Rangers are unlikely to make that straightforward.
Stephen Baxter’s side have once again shown that they can cause problems for anyone in the division. Their 4-0 victory over Bangor last weekend was particularly impressive, while Danny Gibson opened his league account.
Carrick possess enough attacking quality to trouble Linfield, meaning the Blues will have to be at their best if they are to extend their winning run.
Coleraine vs Crusaders
There is an obvious storyline surrounding this one.
Adam Brooks joined Coleraine on deadline day for a record transfer fee within the Irish League, and his first game for the Bannsiders could come against his former club. If he were to score on his debut, it would make for quite the opening chapter.
Coleraine have started exactly as they would have wanted, collecting 10 points from their opening 12. This is only their second league game at home, and Ruaidhrí Higgins will be hoping The Showgrounds becomes a fortress throughout the campaign. How Brooks fits alongside Matthew Shevlin will also be one of the major talking points.
Crusaders, meanwhile, have quietly put together an excellent run of form. Three consecutive league victories have been capped by a remarkable late winner away to Glentoran last weekend.
Losing Brooks is undoubtedly a major blow, but Aaron Reid appears ready to step into the spotlight after scoring that dramatic winner at the BetMcLean Oval. This should be a fascinating test for both sides.
