AFTER Storm Darragh wrecked havoc on the fixture schedule, Coleraine return to Premiership action as they are the visitors to Linfield this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine were not in action last weekend as their game against Portadown was called-off due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. This means Dean Shiels’ men were last in action against Glenavon where they had to settle for a share of the spoils after a 3-3 draw. The Bannsiders find themselves 8th in the Premiership standings ahead of this weekend’s run of fixtures.

Linfield were also due to play Dungannon Swifts away from home last weekend but that game was also the victim of the weather. The Blues currently find themselves top of the Premiership standings and will face Wellington Rec in the fifth round of the Irish Cup. Linfield were last in action in the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup, where they lost 1-0 to derby rivals Glentoran.

Previous Meetings:

Linfield emerged with a 3-0 victory when the two teams last met at The Showgrounds back in September. After Coleraine had a few sights of goal, Linfield took the lead when Joel Cooper rifled in from Matthew Fitzpatrick’s cut-back, before Kirk Millar’s corner-kick went directly into the net. The goals kept on arriving for the Blues as they made it 3-0 before the break when Kyle McClean converted his chance in the box after he received a low cross from the right wing after possession was given away in the Coleraine midfield. Both teams had opportunities after the interval but Linfield saw the game out comfortably.

Head coach’s Thoughts:

“There’s still a bit of a bug about,” Shiels said.

“We are hoping come the end of the week it’s all cleared out as we are aware there’s stuff like that going about. We are trying to take precautions for that.

“We have managed to get a few players back training but Max Little has got an issue, so he’s a concern.

“Lyndon has trained extremely hard but we are nursing him into it.

“Jamie McGonigle is struggling, he’s been unlucky with different things and he’s been searching for momentum. It’s been a bit of a stop-start for him, he’s had some good games and then had injuries flare up.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tony Clarke.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Kristian Hanna.

Ben McMaster has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters require tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).