NIFL Premiership: Let battle commence as new season kicks off
Larne v Glentoran are first up on the opening weekend of fixtures
It feels like it's been a long wait when it really hasn't - but the Danske Bank Premiership is back this weekend.
With matches spread across all three days - including a new Sunday slot - supporters of all 12 top-flight clubs will be eager to see how their teams fare on the opening day.
Larne and Glentoran get the action underway this evening (7.45pm) at Inver Park in a repeat of the meeting at The Oval at the end of last season that saw Tiernan Lynch's side produce a remarkable display to secure European football at the expense of the East Belfast men.
There are four fixtures on Saturday (3pm), with the pick of the bunch on the north coast as Oran Kearney's new-look Coleraine host Cliftonville, who were only pipped to the league title on the final day by eventual champions Linfield.
Top-flight returnees Newry City AFC face a trip to Carrick in what will be an intriguing encounter as both sides aim to get off to a positive start and get points on the board early on.
Crusaders, fresh from their excellent displays against Swiss giants Basel last month, host Dungannon Swifts, while the other Saturday tie sees Glenavon go to Ballymena United.
Linfield will then play for the first time on a Sunday as they take on Portadown at Windsor Park (3pm).
David Healy's champions will play at least their first three Premiership fixtures on a Sunday due to their ongoing involvement in European football. The Blues are still very much the team to beat, but there are plenty of others who will fancy their chances of running the title winners close again.
FIXTURES
Friday August 12th (7.45pm)
Larne v Glentoran
Saturday August 13th (3pm)
Ballymena United v Glenavon
Carrick Rangers v Newry City AFC
Coleraine v Cliftonville
Crusaders v Dungannon Swifts
Sunday August 14th (3pm)
Linfield v Portadown