TOMMY Wright takes his Ballymena United side to Mourneview Park for the beginning of their 2007/2008 Carnegie Premier League campaign.

The two sides have already met twice this season in the group stages of the CIS Insurance League Cup, and whilst the games have been quite evenly contested - it has been United to come out on top.

A 3-1 win in Lurgan, for United's last visit was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Sky Blues coming back from three goals down to almost win the game. The League Cup group still has to be decided but as it stands neither team will qualify. As Dungannon defeated Glenavon 2-1 at the weekend, with former Ballymena player Austin Friel scoring for the Swifts.

Last season's reverse fixture in January seen possibly the worst result and performance of a highly forgettable league campaign as Ballymena United deservedly lost 3-1 to Colin Malone's side - Trinidad defender Atiba Charles putting the ball in his own net for United's consolation strike.

The Braidmen also opened their league season against Glenavon last year winning an exiting game 4-2. The last time the sides met at Mourneview for the start of the League season, the game ended in a scoreless draw in August 1999.

In team news, Paul Brown is facing a number of weeks out of action with his broken elbow, sustained against Linfield. However, Kevin Kelbie is likely to return to action for the first time since August after scoring twice for the Reserves last week. Kelbie is likely to partner Davitt Walsh, who has five goals in four games since joining on loan from Bohemians.

Stuart King (thigh) and Darren Fitzgerald (neck) are nearly certain to be out, whilst Mark Picking, who picked up a dead leg last week is expected to recover. Whilst Nigel Boyd has also recovered from his fractured leg to play his first game this season against Glenavon.

After the debacle against Linfield, Tommy Wright threatened to change the team for the start of the league - those changes are still unclear, but David Cushley is expected to get another chance to impress from the start this weekend.

Key Player

United's defence will have to keep a closer eye on Glenavon striker Lewis Hamlin this Saturday. The Lancashire born striker has scored four of his five goals this term against United in the League Cup. A astute summer signing from Larne, Hamlin was part of the Inver side that beat Kenny Shiels' Ballymena in the Irish Cup semi-final in 2005 - and finished top goalscorer at the East-Antrim side last year, however left after failing to agree a contract with Paul Curran.

Ex-Players

The only player with connections between either two clubs is Glenavon goalkeeper, William McFrederick. Signed by the Lurgan Blues in January after falling down the pecking order at the Showgrounds. William signed for Ballymena after being released by Fulham, and became first choice in 2005/06 - however lost his place to Paul Murphy. He has had loan spells at Ballinamallard and Glentoran in the past year.

Matchday News

The Seven Towers Supporters' Club are running a bus to the game leaving at 1.45pm from the Henry Street car park, outside the Moat Bar, in Harryville. The Paradise SC are also running a bus leaving from the Fountain Bar in town - leaving at the earlier time of 1.30pm; non-members are welcome on both buses.

The Victoria Glenavon Supporters' Club have also extended an invitation to Ballymena United supporters to visit their clubroom beneath the home grandstand prior/after the match.

Previous Meetings

DATE	COMPETITION	HOME TEAM	SCORE	AWAY TEAM
01-09-07	League Cup	Ballymena United	3-3	Glenavon
18-08-07	League Cup	Glenavon	1-3	Ballymena United
06-01-07	Premier League	Glenavon	3-1	Ballymena United
23-09-06	Premier League	Ballymena United	4-2	Glenavon
18-04-06	Premier League	Glenavon	2-2	Ballymena United