It is the small matter of the North Belfast Derby on Boxing Day as Crusaders travel to Solitude for this massive game in the Sports Direct Premiership (3pm). Crusaders got a good win on Saturday when they defeated Glenavon 3-1 at Mourneview Park while Cliftonville won 2-0 against Ballymena United so both sides are in the winning frame of mind and it sets up a good game in front of a massive crowd.
Crusaders will go into the game with a positive mind set and give it everything. Stephen Baxter will not need any motivation speech given the match it is and as most of the team have played in this game before they will know what it is all about. There will be little change to the team that played on Saturday given the players who are injured and several of the reserve side may be called in to cover. We could see Jordan Owens starting this one or a least play an important part at some stage while Josh Robinson and Daniel Larmour will continue as the central defence pairing.
Cliftonville are on a good run currently and will look to keep that going. They know it will not be the same as the last time the two sides met at Solitude with Crusaders determined not to fall to such a big defeat like they did. Manager Jim Magilton has won over his critics and has the team playing well so they are still a force to be reckoned with. Players to keep an eye on are of course ex Crusaders players Rory and Ronan Hale while Ben Wilson has been Cliftonvilles “big scoring player” and pops up when he is needed most in the box with important winners.
So all set and there are only a few tickets left on www.cliftonville fc.net so hurry and buy now. North Belfast Derbies are loud, colourful and unpredictable and we need you with us getting behind the lads from the off. Bring your scarves,hats, flags and voices and be the 12th man in the Bowling Green End and the team will do their best to win. Thank you all for your continued support and the team do hear it all. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.