Kick-off 11.30am
DON BOSCOS v OXFORD UNITED
(at Swilly Stadium)
Don Boscos have enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent times, and they will fancy their chances of picking up another win here.
Boscos have strengthened their team recently with the addition of Mark Mukendi who has already found the net twice since his arrival.
Mukendi’s experience is an undoubted boost for Boscos, who have also played some nice stuff of late, their recent victory over Culmore showing the likes of Barry Maxwell and Arnie Doherty in a good light.
Oxford have gone through a management change of late so it will be interesting to see how the remainder of the season goes from here.
They boast a good batch of young and talented players, and their recent win over Tristar shows the potential at the club.
This one has all the makings of a good game, and there should be no shortage of goals.
Prediction: Oxford to nick it.
LISAHALLY v CULMORE
(at Lisnagelvin No. 2)
Lisahally will be eager to get going. It seems to have been a long time since they actually kicked a ball due to poor weather conditions.
Some games have gone on elsewhere and as a result Lisahally have slipped to the bottom of the league table.
The bottom five is so competitive however that a win or two could see Lisahally move up to sixth place or even break into the top half before the split, which takes place in a few weeks.
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Culmore will be just as eager to improve their fortunes.
They will still be kicking themselves over their loss to Don Boscos.
They could well have got something from that game but they paid the price for a poor first half.
They will be determined to get something from this game as the last thing they will want to do this season is finish bottom of the pile.
Prediction: Culmore to edge it.
TOP OF THE HILL CELTIC v PHOENIX
(at St. Columb’s No. 2)
The league title seems to be beyond Top of the Hill Celtic this season.
For them to have had any chance, they needed Brandywell Harps to take something off Park Bar last weekend but the league leaders showed their ruthless streak by winning 2-0, a final scoreline which reportedly flattered Harps.
The gap, as it stands is now eight points between the current champions and the current champions elect, and even though Celtic do have a game in hand,
it looks increasingly unlikely that they will catch their rivals.
They should however get three points on the board this weekend.
Although in the bottom half of the league, Phoenix are capable of giving the so-called big boys a good game.
They put it up to Trojans a few weeks back and even took the lead before they eventually lost 4-2.
They seem to up their game for these types of games so Top of the Hill Celtic should be on their guard here.
However, the quality of the champions should ultimately see them through.
Prediction: A comfortable win for Top of the Hill Celtic.
McAlinden Cup (first round)
BRANDYWELL HARPS v CAMPBELL’S
(at Brandywell Showgrounds)
Brandywell Harps could be considered as a good outside bet for the cup, but until they learn to match up with the likes of Top of the Hill, Celtic and Park Bar, they will always be in the shadow of others.
Of course, in a one off cup tie, anything could happen, and if they finish the season strongly, momentum can be a powerful ally.
That, of course, is a concern for another day.
Campbell’s are arguably the most improved team in the D&D and they will fancy a good cup run themselves.
When these two teams met in the league back in November, Campbell’s ran out 5-0 winners, so that would suggest another comfortable win this weekend.
However, that result will have hurt a team like Brandywell and Liam Deery’s players will have a point to prove come tomorrow.
This has all the makings of a memorable contest.
Prediction: Much closer this time, but Campbell’s to progress.
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