It's the last game before the split in the Dankse Bank Premiership and Carrick Rangers come to Seaview for the one and only time this season. It is an important game at both sides of the split in the table with Crusaders looking to get back into top three contention while Carrick Rangers are looking a possible euro play off spot.
Stephen Baxter will make full use of the squad for this game as a win is vital but also with an eye on next week anyone with a niggle may be used sparingly. We could see some who where on the bench last week start and several players dropped to the bench but only Stephen and his team know what they plan to do. Carrick Rangers got a big win over Crusaders last October and other wins this season against big opposition will prove Crusaders will be in a game and must prepare accordingly.
Stuart King will have his side up for this game knowing a possible seventh place is available as the split happens. Rangers have pulled off some big wins to get them this far and the team they have assembled are more than capable of doing it again. Players to watch out for are ex Crusaders players David Cushley, Andy Mitchell and Lloyd Anderson while Emmett McGuckin is also their to pop up and score.
Crusaders and Carrick Rangers have played twice at Loughshore Arena with a win apiece between the sides.
01/10/22 Carrick Rangers 4 Crusaders 3
02/01/23 Carrick Rangers 0 Crusaders 3
Referee Evan Boyce
Asst Referees Ryan Kelsey & Ken Ross
4th Official Tony Clarke
So the last game before split and the game before our big Irish Cup Semi Final. Come down to the game and get behind the team and at the end give them a big send off for next weeks game. Ticket can be bought at www.crusadersfootballclub.com or from the ticket office inside the McDonald Centre from 1.30pm so plenty of opportunity. Get behind your club like you have all season. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.