GLENAVON v LINFIELD, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 10th February 2024 Glenavon faces Linfield at Mourneview Park. The South Belfast club has won twenty-one of its twenty-seven Sports Direct Premiership fixtures and scored sixty goals. Despite a shock 2-1 defeat against Dungannon Swifts two weeks ago, David Healy’s men have a one–point lead at the top of the table and are many people’s favourite to regain the league title.

Glenavon boss Stephen McDonnell expects Linfield to bounce back after the unexpected reverse against the Swifts with an improved display. “They are one of the best teams in the country, are top of the table and probably have a point to prove,” he said. “They will be formidable opponents. We face another major challenge.”

The Lurgan Blues’ boss hopes that his charges can produce a competitive display for the full 90 minutes. “We played very well for 37 minutes at Larne, but didn’t capitalise on the openings we created and, when we conceded, struggled to get back into the match. To compete against top clubs like Larne and Linfield requires concentration throughout the game. There is no room for lapses in either penalty area. It is a tough environment.”

Whilst Linfield might not have the physicality which Larne showed last weekend, Stephen thinks that they will be an equally difficult opponent. “Larne is a physically strong, extremely fit team,” he continued. “They are very difficult to play against. Linfield might have slightly different strengths, but they are still a very good side. Players like Joel Cooper, Kirk Millar and Matthew Fitzpatrick are all match winners. We will need to be at our very best if we are to take something from the game.”

Isaac Baird will miss Linfield’s visit. He is serving a one-match suspension. Mark Haughey, Calum Birney and Conor McCoskey are also unavailable due to injury. Aaron Prendergast is fit for selection.

The match against Linfield is sponsored by S.M. Vint and Company, a Banbridge-based firm of Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors. S.M. Vint was established in 1988 by Mr. Samuel Vint. Since then, the company has grown steadily and now has a strong client base throughout the County Down area and beyond.

The matchball sponsor is Jack Pringle. Jack also sponsors the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Linfield has won both its previous meetings with Glenavon this season – 4-2 at Windsor Park in August 2023 and 2-0 at Mourneview Park in December 2023.

Other Glenavon teams in action this week:

• Wednesday 14th February 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Loughgall Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 9th February 2024 – Cookstown U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Mid Ulster Sports Arena 3G, 2015 k.o.
• Saturday 10th February 2024 – Larne U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Pitch 1, 1115 k.o.
• Saturday 10th February 2024 – Ballymena United U-15s v Glenavon U-15s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Pitch 3, 0930 k.o.