Glentoran boss Mick McDermott believes his team face their biggest test of the season so far when they entertain Coleraine at the BetMcLean Oval on Saturday.
Oran Kearney’s men can boast a 100 per cent record on the road, while the Glens have yet to lose – so something must give when the top two teams in the Danske Bank Premiership table collide.
“Coleraine have started the reason really well,” concedes McDermott. “Oran made some great signings in the transfer window which helped boost their squad - he has done a fantastic job pulling the current squad together.
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“It’s a massive challenge for us, probably our toughest yet, but we are looking forward to it, these are the games you relish.”
One big plus for McDermott is that defender Luke McCullough, out for almost 12 months because of a cruciate ligament operation, is preparing to return.
“He is only a matter of weeks away from returning, no doubt the fans will be delighted to see him back,” added McDermott.
Meanwhile, CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy McLaughlin wants to build on back-to-back clean sheets when his team make the journey down the M1 to face Glenavon at Mourneview Park.
Goals from Joe Gormley (2) and Ronan Hale helped book the Reds a place in round two of the League Cup against H&W Welders in midweek.
“We did well last year because of our defensive record, if we can repeat that, we’ll not be far away,” said McLaughlin. “Glenavon will be a tougher test, but we are ready for it.”
BALLYMENA UNITED manager David Jeffrey will crave on his second win of the League campaign when they host Carrick Rangers at the Warden Street Showgrounds.
The Sky Blues hit form in midweek, banging in four goals against Ards in the League Cup.
“We are aware of the threat of Carrick Rangers,” said Jeffrey. “They turned us over last season and Stuart King has made some significant signings, so it will be a testing afternoon.”
In Saturday's other game Tiernan Lynch’s LARNE will look to maintain their unbeaten League run against Portadown at Shamrock Park – Paul Doolin’s boys are still in the hunt for their first point of the campaign.
Danske Bank Premiership: Ballymena United v Carrick Rangers, Glenavon v Cliftonville, Glentoran v Coleraine, Portadown v Larne.
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