Glentoran prepare for a home clash against Ballymena United this Saturday aiming to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap in the Premiership title race. The match at The BetMcLean Oval kicks off at 3pm local time.
Their last outing was a 1-0 victory over Limavady United, secured by a dramatic 94th-minute winner from defender Larmour. That result kept them 11 points behind leaders Coleraine but firmly in the hunt.
The team's form reads WDWWW, with clean sheets in three of their last four home games. They have scored 16 goals this season while conceding only 10. The team's resilience is further highlighted by their goal minutes, with a significant 10 of their 16 goals this season being scored in the final 15 minutes of matches, a trend they will hope continues.
Ballymena's mixed results
Ballymena United arrive in east Belfast with inconsistent recent results, making them a tough but vulnerable opponent. They beat Crusaders 2-1 last time out but lost 3-2 away to Limavady United the week before. Currently sixth in the table, they have shown they can win on the road, having defeated Cliftonville 1-0 earlier this month. Their away form, however, has been patchy, with three wins and three losses from their six league games on their travels.
Head-to-head advantage
Glentoran hold a recent psychological edge in this fixture. The sides last met in August, with the Glens running out 2-0 winners at Ballymena Showgrounds.
The manager is expected to field a strong side, with the starting XI that faced Cliftonville last month providing a template. That lineup included Mills in goal, a back line of Cooney, Schilte-Brown, Larmour and Kane, and a midfield anchored by Stewart and Sloggett. Gallagher led the attack.
Ballymena's last known lineup featured Walsh in goal, with defenders Toure and Glynn, and a forward line including Lyons-Foster. Their threat on the counter-attack will need to be managed.
The focus is squarely on securing another three points to maintain pressure on the teams above.
