Linfield will go 19 points clear if they defeat Crusaders at Seaview.
Crusaders
Crusaders
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Linfield
Linfield
A Crues corner kick beats David Walsh and finds Jimmy Callacher at the back post, but the former Blueman heads over from six yards
Kyle McClean collects the ball outside the area and drives forward before unleashing a shot from 20 yards. It’s easily held by Tuffey
Matthew Fitzpatrick plays in Joel Cooper. The Coleraine bound forward sprints into the box before drilling a low shot towards the far post, but it creeps just wide.
It’s been a fairly forgettable first half an hour, but the game has burst into life in the last few minutes
At the other end, Euan East’s over hit cross is destined for the net until Jonny Tuffey tips it wide.
Big chance for the Crues.
Ben Hall dwells on the ball, allowing Jordan Stewart to nick the ball from him. Stewart bursts into the box and tries to round David Walsh, but Walsh collects the ball at his feet with a brave piece of goalkeeping.
20 minutes gone at Seaview. Linfield are now getting on the ball and attempting to dictate play, but with both teams playing the same position there’s not a lot of space out there.
Crusaders enjoyed the best of the first ten minutes, although Franklin’s early drive was the only chance of note. It’s a pretty miserable night at Seaview with the rain falling in North Belfast
Harry Franklin has the first chance of the game. His low drive through a crowded penalty area is pushed away by an outstretched David Walsh
Both teams are playing a 3-5-2 at Seaview tonight
Crusaders are attacking the Shore Road End, while Linfield shoot towards the railway line
Crusaders are in their traditional red and black stripes, while Linfield are in their usual blue shirts, white shorts and red socks.
And we’re off.
Declan Caddell was named Manager of the Month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association
Here’s some pre-match reading
Here’s today’s teams. Former Crusaders man Kieran Offord is on the bench for the Blues
Crusaders: Tuffey, Callacher, Weir, Lowry (capt), Jewitt-White, Stewart, Blaney, O’Rourke, Larmour, Franklin, Barr.
Subs: Brown, Williamson, Smith, O’Connor, King, Boyd, Downey.
Linfield: Walsh, East, Shields, McClean, Cooper, Hall, Archer, Mulgrew (capt), McGee, Fitzpatrick, Orr.
Subs: Johns, Whiteside, Millar, Ballantyne, McKee, Offord, Morrison.
Hello and welcome to Seaview for tonight’s Sports Direct Premiership game between Crusaders and Linfield.
If the Blues win tonight they will go a staggering 19 points clear at the top of the table. A win for the Crues would see them move into third and see the move a step closer to securing a spot in the top half for the spilt.