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Linfield Match Preview
Uploaded Friday, 20th Jan, 2023 at 10:50
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BALLYMENA United travel to The National Stadium to face champions Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
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The last meeting between the sides was at the Showgrounds in November, Linfield running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Chris McKee and Jimmy Callacher.
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Latest results v Linfield:
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Ballymena United 0-2 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 18th November 2022. Att: 1714
Ballymena United 0-4 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 3rd September 2022. Att: 1742
Ballymena United 0-2 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 8th March 2022. Att: 1460
Linfield 1-0 Ballymena United, National Stadium, 15th January 2022. Att: 2199
Linfield 1-0 Ballymena United, National Stadium, 21st December 2021. Att: 2019
Ballymena United 3-1 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 9th November 2021. (BetMcLean League Cup Round Quarter-Final)
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Linfield:
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Since the last encounter Linfield have won 5 league games against Larne, Carrick Rangers, Dungannon Swifts, Glentoran and Glenavon. The Blues also drew 2, against Crusaders and Coleraine, losing just the 1 game away to Cliftonville. They've moved up the table and now sit 3rd, 3 points behind leaders Cliftonville and 2 behind Larne.
They set up a BetMcLean League Cup Final against Coleraine with a semi-final win over Glentoran, and defeated Warrenpoint Town in the 5th round of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup to set up a 6th round game away to Larne.
On Tuesday evening they faced Larne at Seaview in the final of this seasons Toals Co Antrim Shield, drawing after 90 minutes before Larne beat them 4-3 on penalties.
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Ballymena United:
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The Sky Blues have went on to record league wins against Carrick Rangers, Cliftonville, Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts, losing to Portadown and Coleraine. Sitting 7th in the table, United are 6 points behind Glentoran, who have a game in hand, and 3 points ahead of Glenavon.
It took extra-time and penalties to make it past Carrick Rangers at Loughview Leisure Arena in the 5th round of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup. After the game finished 1-1 after extra-time, the hosts missing all their penalties and Michael Place, Ross Redman and Paul McElroy sealing the spot in the 6th round where they will host Newington.
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Tickets:
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Tickets for Ballymena United supporters are available at Tickets - Ballymena United Fans. United fans will be hosted in the North Stand, costing £12 for adults and £8 for concessions.
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Match Officials:
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Referee: Ross Dunlop. Assistant 1: Ken Ross. Assistant 2: Stephen Bell. 4th Official: Steven Gregg.
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Match Information:
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The match kicks off at 3:00pm.
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The last time United won a league game away to Linfield was in October 2004, a fantastic goal from Dominic Melly in the first half enough to steal the points under the management of Kenny Shiels. Linfield were angered at the manner in which they lost to Larne midweek, and have been on top form recently, but United will be bouyed by recent league and cup wins. Make your way to The National Stadium and be loud and proud in support of YOUR team - Come On Sky Blues!
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Match Preview by Paul Irwin
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