It's 2024 but the Sports Direct Premiership continues as Crusaders play Linfield at Seaview on Tuesday night (7.45pm in the erarranged game that was originally postponed back in November 2023. Linfield sit at the top of the table after an unbeaten Christmas period and could extend the lead with a victory while Crusaders are looking to kick off 2024 by moving closer to third place with three points from the game.
Crusaders finished the calendar year off with a solid 2-0 victory over Carrick Rangers. The return of Paul Heatley after suspension helped the cause and a vintage display by Jordan Owens helped also. Expect the same squad to be in the frame to play again as injuries and illness take their toll and we could see Lewis Barr and Jay Boyd named in the side after returning from loan deals. If Stephen Baxter feels one or both are ready to get back into the Crusaders shirt then we may see just that.
Linfield come into the game after a good Christmas and are looking to keep that going against Crusaders. Tough games against Glentoran and Larne could see David Healy use the depth in his squad as players may be rested or start on the bench but he knows that Seaview and Crusaders will prove another massive game in the fixtures and decide to go for his best eleven. Definitely out is Chris Shields who was injured a few weeks ago but they have plenty that can come in a do his job. The key players to watch out for are Joel Cooper, Jamie Mulgrew and Kirk Millar.
We as always want you there and to get behind the lads from the start. Your support helps and we need that on Tuesday night. Tickets are available from www.crusadersfc.com, Harry D's up to 6pm on match day and the from the ticket office inside the McDonald Centre from 6.15pm. Don't delay and get your all important ticket and join us at Seaview as look to start 2024 as we mean to go on.