Coleraine FC face a key top-of-the-table test when they host Linfield at The Showgrounds on Friday evening. The Bannsiders sit first in the Premiership with 22 points from eight games, holding a three-point lead over their nearest rivals.
They have won their last five league matches, a run that started with a 3-0 win at Portadown in late August. Since then, they have recorded home victories over Crusaders, Ballymena United and Limavady United, sandwiching a 2-1 away win at Glentoran. Their most recent result was a 1-0 home win against Limavady last Friday, secured by a goal from J. Cooper.
Linfield arrive in second place, having also been in strong form. They have won four of their last five, with their only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw at Portadown. Their last outing was a 1-0 home win over Crusaders FC.
This fixture is always a significant one in the Northern Irish football calendar. The last meeting between these sides will provide the immediate context for this latest encounter. You can review the full season schedule on our fixtures page.
The match kicks off at 18:45 UTC on 25 September. A win for Coleraine would extend their lead at the summit to six points, while a Linfield victory would see them draw level. The team news from the last match saw L. Webb start in goal, protected by a back line of A. Wilson, L. Ives, C. Stewart and B. Doherty. For the latest squad information, visit our squad section.
