Irish Premiership: Big two go head to head as title race hots up

It's a pivotal few days at both ends of the table in the Danske Bank Irish Premiership.

Tonight sees the Belfast 'Big Two' of Linfield and Glentoran meeting at The Oval with Linfield hoping a win will take them to the top of the table if other results go in their favour.

David Healy's side would need current league leaders Larne and second-placed Cliftonville to drop points away to second-bottom Dungannon Swifts and home to bottom side Portadown respectively.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Crusaders and Coleraine in fifth are both still very much in the mi for honours as we enter the 'business' end of the season.

The Crues are currently four points off the top ahead of their trip to Mourneview Park to face Gleanvon.

While Oran Kearney's Bannsiders are one point further back as they get ready to host Newry City AFC at Ballycastle Road.

In the other game this evening, Carrick Rangers can go level on points with Ballymena United in seventh, with a win at home to the Braidmen.

FIXTURES

Tuesday February 14 (7.45pm)

Carrick Rangers v Ballymena United

Cliftonville v Portadown

Coleraine v Newry City AFC

Dungannon Swifts v Larne

Glenavon v Crusaders

Glentoran v Linfield