Soccer

BetMcLean League Cup final - Everything you need to know

Pacemaker Press 28-02-2024: Portadown face Linfield in this season's BetMcLean Cup final on March 10th at the National Football Stadium (kick-off 3pm). 
Portadown’s manager Niall Currie and Linfield’s manager David Healy.
Picture By: Arthur Allison/ Pacemaker Press.
Portadown face Linfield in this season's BetMcLean Cup final on March 10 at the National Football Stadium (kick-off 3pm). Portadown's manager Niall Currie and Linfield's manager David Healy Picture By: Arthur Allison/ Pacemaker Press

Linfield take on Portadown in this weekend’s Bet McLean League Cup final. Here’s everything you need to know.

How do the teams compare?

Both teams sit in the top three of their respective division and both have also won the Irish League cup multiple times. Linfield have won it the most with 11 titles while Portadown have won the competition twice.

Linfield are currently ranked second in the Sports Direct Premiership while Portadown currently sit in third place in the Playr-Fit Championship.

However, while Portadown are in a lower league, it does not mean that they are at a disadvantage as it was only last season that they competed in the Premiership but were relegated.

Who are the teams’ top scorers?

Both teams are stacked with attacking talent. For Linfield, the players to look out for include Joel Cooper who has scored nine goals in total this season, Chris Cooper who has also scored nine goals this season and Matt Fitzpatrick who is on seven goals for the season.

Portadown have two phenomenal players in Zach Barr and Ryan Mayse who are both in the top five scorers of the NIFL Championship with Barr scoring 17 goals so far this season and Mayse scoring 14.

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Portadown v Cliftonville Clearer Water Irish Cup
Portadown's Zach Barr and Cliftonville's Odhran Casey during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Zach Barr has scored 17 goals for Portadown this season (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)
Who are the Linfield and Portadown managers?

David Healy is the manger of Linfield. Portadown are managed by the Niall Currie.

Where can I watch the game?

The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday March 10 at Windsor Park which is Linfield’s home pitch.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.nifootballleague.com/tickets/ while the game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.



What would a win mean for each club?

Both clubs are going in with the mindset to do whatever it takes to win and get the job done.

Linfield are looking to keep up their tremendous form after winning their last three games and add yet another Irish League Cup to their remarkable history which would mean that they have claimed this title an astounding 12 times.

For Portadown winning the League Cup would mean they have won the competition three times, although their main aim for the season would remain promotion back to the Premiership.

The only way to know if either team can pull it off is if you tune in on Sunday at 3pm as both teams are looking to put on a stellar performance which should lead to an interesting match.