BILLY TACKLES...
ANDREW MITCHELL
YOU find before you a bitter and twisted man. Glentoran midfielder James Knowles secured victory in last weekend’s predictions courtesy of guessing the correct score in Cliftonville’s 3-0 defeat of Dungannon Swifts. Meanwhile, I insisted that not would the Reds prevail but that Glenavon would go and beat Linfield at Windsor Park but I only picked up a total of two points, meaning a win for James. The people who make these rules really need to have a good look at myself! Anyhow, a man who bagged a goal in that win for the Lurgan Blues, Andrew Mitchell, is next up for the challenge and coincidentally celebrates his 24th birthday today. Hopefully I can make it a miserable one!
The usual daft rules apply, three points for an exact scoreline and one for the correct outcome.
Crusaders v Carrick Rangers
Saturday (3.00pm)
Crusaders are a very good side and they’re hard to beat and especially at Seaview where they are very strong. I watched them against Ballymena on TV and they looked good and they will be too strong for Carrick.
Mitchell prediction: 3-1
Weir prediction: 5-1
Glentoran v Coleraine
Saturday (3.00pm)
That’s a tough one to call. There have been quite a few draws in that game previously and the Oval is a hard place to pick up results. Coleraine are flying, they have a good young squad and have had a really good start and continued on but I think it will be a draw.
Mitchell prediction: 1-1
Weir prediction: 0-1
Ballymena Utd v Linfield
Saturday (3.00pm)
That is a tough game for both teams. Linfield are still a quality side and Ballymena are very good too. I don’t really want to sit on the fence on this one, but I’m going to! It will be a draw but I think there will be goals for sure.
Mitchell prediction: 2-2
Weir prediction: 2-3
Dungannon Swifts v Ards
Saturday (3.00pm)
Ards had a good win against Ballymena last week so they’ll be brimming with confidence and Dungannon have struggled to score goals of late. But with the signing of Daniel Hughes that will give them a real boost. If he’s playing I think Dungannon will get a much-needed home win.
Mitchell prediction:
Weir prediction: 1-1
2-0
Ballinamallard Utd v Cliftonville
Friday (8.00pm)
Ballinamallard have had a tough season but it is never an easy place to go. We played Cliftonville a few weeks ago and only got a late equaliser through Sammy Clingan. The Reds are playing well and, even though it is a difficult trip, I have to go for them to win.
Mitchell prediction:
Weir prediction: 2-2
1-3
Season’s standings: Players 11 Weir 6