Title race goes to final day with Linfield in control
10 weeks ago, the Irish Premiership title race looked over.
On the 17th of February, the defending champions Crusaders moved 9 points clear, and it appeared as if they were safety en route to a third consecutive title.
However, the title race took a dramatic turn from there, as Linfield slowly chipped away at that 9 point shield.
Since then, Crusaders have stuttered and struggled for form, looking far from their ruthless best which saw them sweep up 2 titles. Their misery has been compounded by David Healy's side striking a rich vein of form at the most important stage of the season.
The balance finally tipped in favour of Linfield last weekend in 2 results which perhaps summed up how each club has handled the run-in.
Crusaders battled in Ballymena but ultimately came up short, and ended up losing 3-0 as they chased the tie in an attempt to keep their flicking title hopes alive.
25 miles up the road, Linfield recovered to hammer Coleraine 5-1 and dislodge Crusaders from 1st place, a position they'd made their own.
It now means the Blues are the favourites heading into the final fixture, as they hold a 2-point advantage. A win over Cliftonville at Solitude will make sure the title is heading to Windsor Park, but a draw could also be enough because of their superior goal difference.
The best hope for Crusaders is that they manage a home win over Glenavon, and at the same time, Cliftonville do them a favour by beating the Blues.
However, manager Stephen Baxter says they can only focus on their own game.
"We need a favour from another team if we're to be successful, and I'm sure Cliftonville's honour and pride will see them put on a performance for their fans because I imagine they'd like to stop Linfield."
"Linfield have to go and try and seal the deal, and we have to look after our own home fixture if we're to even ask the question. I've said all along that if our best isn't good enough, then I'll be the first to congratulate David and Linfield."
"But we will fight to the death until that final whistle blows," said Baxter.
Since drawing with Portadown 10 weeks ago, Linfield have won 8 games in a row, and conceded just 3 goals. Manager David Healy paid tribute to the fans for their continued and unwavering support.
"They still had belief, and they've shown huge belief in this team and in me as a manager. Games were running out and Crusaders kept winning, kept coming from behind. But the supporters were there through thick and thin."
Having already won the County Antrim Shield, and with an Irish Cup final showdown to come with Coleraine, his side are chasing a treble. The priority remains the Gibson Cup though, a trophy that's eluded the Blues since 2012.
David Healy is determined to win the league in style with 3 points at Solitude.
"Give Cliftonville respect for the club they are and the tradition they have, they're not going to want us to come down and swan about with the league title there. We'll go down, we'll do it right, we'll be professional like we always are - and hopefully it'll be a big day for the club."