It is the last game at home for Crusaders before the split before the final fixtures of the season and the visitors are Loughgall (3pm) Crusaders are looking maximum points to help cement a top six place before the split while Loughgall are playing for pride given they sit at the foot of the Premiership table and could be relegated before the split if results go the wrong way.
Manager Declan Caddell has already stated the final two games before the split are cup finals and this in short means the team has to be switched on, do a professional job and come away with three points against Loughgall. Training has been sharp and "on point" all week and everyone is prepared for the first of the two finals they face over the next week. The defeat against Linfield last week has been parked and the prep made and whoever is picked will have a job to do. Depending on any niggles Declan will have a large proportion of the squad to choose from bar the long term absentees. Stewart Nixon and Lloyd Anderson have rejoined training but this game may be too soon to be involved. Josh Williamson wos on International duty on Friday night and probably will not be involved.
Loughgall are fighting a losing battle and could be relegated before the split if results go against them but this will not stop them playing for pride and Crusaders will be wary. Ex Manager Dean Smith and Loughgall parted company last week and the spilt has still not been resolved but the i nterim management will send their team out looking a result to cushion the inevitable. Despite only three wins all season they still have a squad capable of pulling off a result and the key men to watch are Conor McCloskey and Francis McCaffrey.
So an intriging game for different reasons and we need your support to help us going for that important win. You can buy at www.crusadersfc.com anytime, Harry D's bar at Seaview up to 1pm on match day and then from the ticket office inside the McDonald Centre from1.30pm to kick off. It's a massive game that could go a long way to seeing us finish in the top six and with you we can do it. See you at the game. C'mon the Crues.