It's Irish Cup 6th round weekend

One of the big highlights of the local sporting calendar takes place this weekend – the sixth round of the Irish Cup.

The pick of Saturday’s games takes place at Solitude where Cliftonville take on league leaders Crusaders.

After exiting the League Cup, the Crues will be going all out to keep alive hopes of a possible four-trophy haul this season.

Dungannon Swifts who knocked Stephen Baxter’s side out of the League Cup competition to reach their first-ever final, are currently on cloud nine.

They are away to Glenavon and in an interview with Downtown & Cool FM, Swifts boss Rodney McAree said that the cup rigours had taken their toll so he would have to bring in fresh legs in a bid to reach the quarter finals.

At the same time he said he had to think of those who could miss the final through suspension.

“I will rotate a little bit to try and get some freshness into the team and obviously whereas as the Irish Cup is more important, I also have to be fair and look after the players who are maybe one booking away from missing the final so there are certain players who maybe fall into that category, too,” he said.

McAree added: “We are still involved in three competitions and we are obviously still looking to try and fight for that seventh or possibly that sixth spot in the league so we have plenty to play for here at the club. These are exciting times.”

Meanwhile, title-chasing Coleraine take on Institute in a local derby at the Showgrounds.

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney said they needed to be at their best if they wanted to progress.

“This will be a derby and I am sure they will be bang up for trying to progress and get something out of it,” he said.

“They have had a great season under Paddy, they’re flying and winning games. It’s one we have to be bang on form.”

Elsewhere, Linfield face Championship side Newry City and Blues manager David Healy said they would not be underestimated their opponents.

“The Irish Cup is probably our best opportunity of winning silverware so we will take that game hugely seriously,” he said.

“I was down watching Newry two weeks ago against Dergview – I know their capabilities. They’re a good side, they’re in fine form and winning.

“I think they are unbeaten in a number of weeks.

“They’ve got players who have played at the top level in this country so they will be a threat.”

There is an all-Premiership clash at the Ballymena Showgrounds where David Jeffrey’s side meet Ballinamallard.

And after making the post-split top six in the Championship, Loughgall now have the chance to make their mark in the Cup.

They take on Ards at Lakeview Park.

Finally, Larne are at home to Dundela.

The kick off on all of the games is 3pm.

• irishcup