It is Friday night football for Crusaders this week and Glentoran come to Seaview in the Sports Direct Premiership in what will be a cracking encounter (8pm) Both sides are in good form and Crusaders will want to keep the goalscoring form going after netting four goals against Dungannon Swifts in the League Cup while Glentoran are on a high after beating Linfield in the same competition.
Crusaders will have benefited from the Premiership call offs last weekend given the fact the walking wounded will have had ten days to recover from niggles and injury that was rife in the squad. Lewis Barr and Harry Franklin both limped off in the Dungannon Swifts wins and we wait too see if they make it. Declan Caddell will look to others in his squad already small because of long term injuries to the like of Billy Joe Burns, Adam Lecky and Lloyd Anderson to fill roles if they don't make it and it could mean a reshuffle in defence with Jordan Forsythe dropping back into a role. Jordan Stewart is in great form up top and of course Kieran Offord is in goal scoring mood with his hat trick last time out. The return of Philip Lowry has been obvious and Ross Clarke is in inspired form also on the wing and it leaves the team in positive mood ahead of the Glentoran clash.
Glentoran are putting a run together and the work of Declan Devine is startng to pay off. Critics will say form has been patchy but they sit in fifth place in the table and Crusaders know they will be a threat. Goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai has made a massive difference to the team this year while Marcus Kane leads as captain in defence. Up front David Fisher is the main threat although James Douglas did get his first goal against Linfield and will be keen to impress again. Declan Devine will have his full time squad primed for this game and will be looking, like Crusaders, three points and to move up the table.
All set for a massive game in the Premiership table that could see either side move into the top four. Your support as always is needed for this game so head to www.crusadersfc.com and secure your ticket. Bring the colours and songs and get right behind the team from the off. When the players need you be there. See you on Friday night. C'mon the Crues.