Paddy McLaughlin accepts Cliftonville are going to have to do it the hard way if they are to pip David Healy’s Linfield to the Gibson Cup.
The Reds, who travel to the Coleraine Showgrounds on Tuesday night, trail the Blues by a point heading into the last three games of the season.
And all three of those fixtures are away from Solitude - against the Bannsiders, Crusaders this Saturday and Glentoran on April 30.
Read more: Linfield boss David Healy tells title-chasing Blues to prepare for crunch Crusaders clash
“I’d rather have the three games at home because our form at Solitude this season has been excellent, but they’re away,” said McLaughlin.
“It will be tough, but our away form has also been excellent and I think it has only been bettered by the likes of Glentoran and Linfield.
“Whether we’re home or away, I know the players are raring to go and they’re ready to give everything they have in these last three games.”
McLaughlin, bidding to return to the Gibson Cup to Solitude for the first time since 2014, believes there could be a few more “twists and turns” to come in the title race.
“I’d expect a few more and who knows, we could be discussing another one on Tuesday night,” he said.
“Linfield go to Crusaders on Tuesday and we also go there on Saturday, and Crusaders are the form team in the league, so you never know what could happen.
“It’s exciting for the neutral and we’re delighted to be part of it. If anything happens and Linfield slip up, we have to be ready to pounce.”
Coleraine head into the game on the back of a dismal run of form with Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Crusaders making it just one win in their last 10 games in all competitions.
“Coleraine will want to bounce back,” said McLaughlin. “Oran has been one of the league’s top managers for many years and he knows how to set teams up and win games.
“He’s openly admitted they have an eye on the European play-offs in terms of injuries and suspensions but whatever team they put out, it will be hard fought.”
Elsewhere, Warrenpoint Town’s relegation will be confirmed if they fail to beat Ballymena United or Portadown secure a draw or win at home to Dungannon Swifts.
Warrenpoint trail the Ports, who lie in the play-off spot, by nine points with three games to play.
TUESDAY NIGHT'S GAMES
- SECTION A - Coleraine v Cliftonville; Crusaders v Linfield; Glentoran v Larne (all 7.45pm)
- SECTION B - Ballymena United v Warrenpoint Town; Carrick Rangers v Glenavon; Portadown v Dungannon Swifts (all 7.45pm).
Read more: Linfield boss David Healy has no issue with player's programme comments on game time
Read more: No real appetite in the Irish League for an all-Ireland league, says Linfield GM Pat Fenlon
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