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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Barry Johnston offers final-day conundrum for Linfield as he makes title prediction

Former Irish League midfielder Barry Johnston believes Linfield might have to overcome a blend of youthful exuberance and final-day pressure if they want to clinch a 56th league title on Saturday.

The Blues lead Cliftonville by just one point heading into the last day of the season.

Victory against Coleraine will guarantee them the Gibson Cup regardless of Cliftonville's result against Glentoran.

Read more: That's What I Call Football podcast Season 4 Episode 30

Johnston believes Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney may field some young players as he keeps one eye on the upcoming European play-offs.

Coleraine also have a decent record at Windsor, losing just once in their last five visits to the national stadium.

Former Irish League midfielder Johnston - who won back-to-back titles with Cliftonville - doesn't believe Linfield's title coronation's is done and dusted.

He told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast: "Of course there will be pressure (on Linfield), and Coleraine have a good record at Windsor.

"Even if Coleraine put out a young team, they will be out to prove a point to Oran Kearney that they're worthy of a jersey next year or a contract next year.

"See when you're a kid, you play with no fear, and you're playing against the team that's under a wee bit of pressure to get over the line.

"Strange things can happen."

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Saturday's final-day decider, Johnston expects Healy's side to do enough to defend their crown.

"Linfield are Linfield, and we all know the professionalism. David (Healy) were prepare them right for either sort of team that comes out," he added.

"You just can't see them throwing it away. Chris Shields has been there and won it at Dundalk numerous times and played in Europe.

"Jamie Mulgrew is injured but he'll be in the changing room and reassuring players. Jimmy Callacher and all those boys who have done it a million times will be calm even if anything does go wrong.

"They will reset and I can't see any other result than Linfield winning the title."

Watch the full video for more...

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