It’s business time of the season as Crusaders go head to head with Cliftonville at the Seaview this evening at 7.45pm. The winner of tonight’s tantalising North Belfast derby will not only bag the bragging rights for fans, but also put themselves right back in the title race.
Crusaders will have the added benefit of having home advantage for tonight’s game, with Seaview becoming a fortress of late, only Ballymena have managing to leave with all three points this season. They also will gain confidence from the fact they are unbeaten in four games against their bitter rivals, including their last meeting on boxing day which ended 3-0 to Stephen Baxter’s side.Baxter has a relatively healthy squad to pick from with the exception of Jarlath O’Rourke who remains out; and Jude Winchester a doubt after suffering a back spasm in the cup victory over Glentoran last week. The resurgent Rory McKeown has filled the void impressively from the missing O’Rourke.
Cliftonville will still be reeling from their shock 2-1 defeat in the Irish Cup to Dungannon Swifts last week and will be hoping for a response. Aaron Traynor remains a doubt in defence with injury. Paddy McLauglin’s charges will go into the game knowing they hold a five point lead over their rivals in the table and victory would impose a high-degree of damage to Crusader’s title ambitions.
Crusaders will need little motivation for this one, knowing every game from this point forward is like a cup final. With two very winnable games coming up before the top-six split, victory tonight could really have the Crues back in the title race.