LINFIELD V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD 26313n

On Saturday 21st December 2024 Glenavon faces Linfield at the National Stadium. It is the Lurgan Blues’ final fixture before Christmas. 3t4c72

Unfortunately, Tuesday’s exciting 3-1 win against Crusaders has been achieved at a cost. Niall Quinn and Rhys Marshall were missing due to injury and Gareth Deane strained a calf muscle during the warm-up. All three are unlikely to play. To make matters worse Michael O’Connor (ankle), David McDaid (back) and Mark Haughey (knee) are almost certainly out too.

“It is not what we want, but injuries are part and parcel,” said Paddy McLaughlin. “We will assess one or two on Saturday morning. But we have some very talented young players who are desperate to play. Some will now have the opportunity.”

The new boss was delighted with the team’s performance in the win over the Crues. “It was a quality 90-minute display,” he said. “Some have complimented me on how well the lads played in the second half. They are right about that, but we were good throughout.”

“We had to dig in during the first half,” he continued. “Conceding early was a big blow, but the lads kept their composure. Michael O’Connor’s equaliser gave us a platform to build on and after that we played some great football. It demonstrates the quality we have.”

But McLoughlin is under no illusions about the challenge which Linfield presents. “They are a top side with very good players,” he added. “The league table tells you all you need to know. David Healy has been criticised, but he has answered the critics with some great performances and results. Very few teams come away with Windsor Park with anything. We’ll need to be at our best to get a result.”

When the clubs met at Mourneview Park in August, the visitors won 3-0 courtesy of two goals by Joel Cooper. The former Glenavon favourite is suspended this weekend.

Glenavon v Linfield, Last Season

Date

Result

15/08/23

Linfield 4 Glenavon 2

16/12/23

Glenavon 0 Linfield 2

10/02/24

Glenavon 2 Linfield 2

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

  • Monday 23rd December 2024 – Crusaders Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Seaview. 2000 k.o.
  • Friday 20th December 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Crusaders U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2000 k.o.
  • Saturday 21st December 2024 – Crusaders U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Seaview, 1000 k.o.