Linfield v Crusaders. Sports Direct Premiership. 20th January

20th Jan 2024

Crusaders make the short trip to South Belfast and they play Linfield on Saturday (3pm) in the latest Sports Direct Premiership game of the season. Crusaders hope to get back to winning ways after defeat to Larne last week while Linfield will want to continue a good run to stay at the top of the Premiership table. Games between the sides are usually tight and full of drama so we await what happens in this one.

Crusaders will go into the game against Linfield with two new injuries that will keep Josh Robinson and Robbie Weir sidelined for an unknown period of time and they join Rory McKeown and Jimmy Callacher on the treatment table. On the positive side Crusaders two new signings could make their debut if selected but Kevin Joshua and Adam McAleenan will be ready and will get the support of the rest of the team. Suspensions and injuries will have Stephen Baxter thinking of how he can set his team up but he will send the lads out in a positive mood with a gameplan that could pay dividends come approx 4.50pm. Crusaders have given some great performances of late when playing at the National Stadium at Windsor Park although results have sometimes gone against them and tomorrow they will go for it again.

Linfield sit top and continue to show the form of potential champions but David Healy knows that they must keep on top of their game to hold the position they are in. Euan East misses out after his sending off on Tuesday past but the squad Linfield have their is a ready replacement in the ranks. Influential Chris Shields continues to recover from injury and will also be absent. They have also blooded some of the younger players this year and this has helped but the key players to watch out for are Kirk Millar and Kyle McLean wihile new signing Ethan McGee could also start for the first time if selected.

So all set for another gripping game and we want as many of you with us at the game. Your support has been superb and the players hear you and appreciate your vocal support. Go to https://linfieldfc.com/tickets/away and buy and follow Stephen and the team once again on their travels. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.