BILLY TACKLES... JAMIE McGONIGLE
NOW thawed out after the deep freeze and enforced Cup lay-off, the predictions return this week with birthday boy Jamie McGonigle next up.
The Coleraine striker hit 22 (years, not goals) this week and will be looking to celebrate in style when the Bannsiders travel to Ballymena United this weekend. We’ll just park that there... Anyhow, he has taken time out from his studies at uni to do a much bigger assignment and, let’s face it, he only has me to beat, so it should be first class honours all the way for him. The usual rules apply, three points for a spot-on prediction and one for guessing the correct outcome.
Cliftonville v Crusaders
Saturday (3.00pm)
I think Cliftonville are going through a tough patch at the moment and will be out with a point to prove but Crusaders are scoring goals for fun at the minute and I think they may just have too much. McGonigle prediction: 1-3
Weir prediction: 2-2
Glenavon v Glentoran
Saturday (3.00pm)
Glenavon have had a couple of poor results and need a positive reaction, so they will be out to pick themselves up. However, Ronnie McFall has Glentoran going well since he has come in as manager so I’m going for a draw. McGonigle prediction: 1-1
Weir prediction: 3-1
Linfield v Carrick Rangers
Saturday (3.00pm) Linfield played well in their last game which shows their form is picking up. Carrick have had some good results also though, but I’m going for a Linfield win. McGonigle prediction: 2-1
Weir prediction: 3-0
Ballinamallard United v Ards
Saturday (3.00pm)
This is a tough game to call. Ballinamallard are fighting and have picked up a couple of decent results at home and are hard to beat at Ferney Park. Ards also have lots of quality in their team but in this occasion I’m going for a Ballinamallard win.
McGonigle prediction: 2-1
Weir prediction: 3-2
Dungannon Sw v Warrenpoint Town
Saturday (3.00pm)
Dungannon are coming off the back of a defeat to Ballymena and Matthew Tipton has left Warrenpoint so will be interesting to see how they respond. I think Dungannon are one of the best footballing teams in the league and therefore I’m going for them to sneak it.
McGonigle prediction: 2-1
Weir prediction: 1-1
Season’s standings:
Weir 6 1/2
Players 12 1/2