Points the priority as Coleraine prepare to face Linfield

COLERAINE are back in action this weekend as they make the trip to the National Stadium to face Linfield (KO 3pm)….

The Bannsiders enjoyed more success last weekend as they ran out 1-0 winners over Ballymena United last time out stretching their unbeaten run to 25 games.

With only two games remaining in the 2017/18 Danske Bank Premiership campaign the Bannsiders continue their pursuit for League honours. Oran Kearney’s side remain deadlocked with Crusaders at the summit of the table level on eighty seven points.

With 3 previous meetings between Coleraine and Linfield this season results suggest that there has been little to separate the sides.

The first encounter was at the Showgrounds back in October and it was the Bannsiders who ran out narrow 2-1 winners.

It was a case of role reversal when the sides clashed at the National Stadium in December as Linfield enjoyed victory inflicting Coleraine’s solo league defeat of the season.

The last meeting of the sides finished all square with the sides settling for a share of the spoils when Linfield’s late equaliser was enough to secure a point at the Ballycastle Road.

Earmarked as one of the most exciting title showdowns in recent years the Stripes will be hoping to chalk up another win this weekend to keep the pressure firmly on Crusaders.

“It’s a game we have to win it’s as simple as that and I think the way we have conducted ourselves has been outstanding all season.” Kearney said.

“Linfield will be a tough challenge and the fact we have to go to the National Stadium will only add to the occasion,” added Kearney.

With Josh Carson is set to miss Saturday’s encounter through suspension. Midfielder Brad Lyons remains a doubt after he sustained a hamstring injury against Cliftonville whilst James McLaughlin is continuing his recovery from a cruciate knee injury.

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