Soccer

Clearer Water Irish Cup Fifth Round: Kick-off times, TV details, betting odds and predictions on the busiest weekend of local soccer

Will it be business as usual or a day of giant killings in the cup?

Chris Curran and Joe Gormley lift the Irish Cup Cliftonville's win over Linfield in Saturday's final at Windsor Park on Saturday
Chris Curran and Joe Gormley lift the Irish Cup Cliftonville's win over Linfield in last season's final at Windsor Park (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press)

It is Irish Cup Fifth Round weekend, and all 12 Sports Direct Premiership clubs are in action over the next 24 hours.

While there are no all-Premiership ties, there are some intriguing contests, including some local derbies that are bound to whet the appetite of fans.

So, who can get off on the right path towards emulating Cliftonville’s victory in last year’s competition and what giant will be slayed by a little ‘un?

It’s time to look at the biggest games of the weekend with previews, predictions and all-important odds.

PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 03-09-24
County Antrim Shield - 1st Round
H&W Welders v Glentoran
Adam McAleenan of Welders and Frankie Hvid of Glentoran during this evening’s game at Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 03-09-24 County Antrim Shield - 1st Round H&W Welders v Glentoran Adam McAleenan of Welders and Frankie Hvid of Glentoran during this evening’s game at Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press)

FRIDAY

H&W Welders v Glentoran (7:45pm, LIVE ON BBC IPLAYER)

Less than two miles separate these neighbours but competitive fixtures between the two over the past decade have been limited to a Co Antrim Shield meeting earlier this season, when the Glentoran required penalties to see off their nearby rivals.

The Premiership’s second-placed side are unbeaten in seven outings and seem to have finally found some consistency under Declan Devine. Striker Jordan Jenkins is also favourite to score first on Friday after netting twice in Monday’s win over Portadown.

The Welders are having a solid season in the Championship and are currently fourth. They are unbeaten in four games and will carry a significant goal threat via 14-goal man Tiarnan O’Connor, who will be out to catch the eye of a few premiership sides no doubt.

Derbies are hard to predict and H&W pushed Glentoran all the way at the Blanchflower Stadium in September, but may not have that element of surprise this time around and the bookies fancy a comfortable away win.

Odds: Home: 9/1 Draw: 5/1 Away: 2/11

Prediction: Glentoran

Pacemaker Press 3-2-24
Portadown v Bangor - Clearer Water Irish Cup
An unhappy Portadown manager Niall Currie  during today's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Portadown manager Niall Currie (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

SATURDAY

Annagh United v Portadown (3pm)

Another derby sees Premiership Portadown travel the one-mile journey to play Annagh in a battle for town honours.

The Ports are fourth in the premiership and exceeding all expectations, while Annagh are fifth in the Championship and have been the nearly men in recent seasons in their push for promotion.

United will not be intimidated in Saturday’s meeting however, having defeated Portadown in two of their four second-tier meetings last season, only losing once.

This should be a tight affair and Annagh will not make it easy, however, the Ports have strengthened significantly under Niall Currie since earning promotion and it would be a shock if they didn’t progress to the next round here.

Odds: Home: 11/4 Draw: 7/2 Away: 3/5

Prediction: Portadown

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton       In Today’s game at  Ballymena Showgrounds Ballymena V Cliftonville  in the Sports Direct premiership 

Desmond Loughery Pacemaker press
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton and assistant Gerard Lyttle (DESMOND LOUGHERY/Desmond loughery Pacemaker press )

Cliftonville v Banbridge Rangers (3pm)

If Rangers manage to defeat Cliftonville at Solitude this may be the biggest upset in cup history.

The Banbridge side currently lie a lowly 12th in the Mid-Ulster league, but thanks to a victory over Queens University in round four, they find themselves taking part in a dream tie.

The Reds are holders of the trophy and won’t want to lose it at the first hurdle, but Jim Magilton is going through a testing time. The loss of player Michael Newberry last week will ensure it is an emotional occasion on Saturday.

Three defeats on the trot is not ideal form to be bringing into this tie.

Banbridge will not doubt enjoy their day but Cliftonville will surely be too strong for the Co Down outfit

Odds: Home: 1/33 Draw: 12/1 Away: 20/1

Prediction: Cliftonville

Bangor v Newington (3pm)

Outside of the Premiership, Bangor are garnering the most attention of late given their impressive start to the championship campaign. Lee Feeney’s side have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table despite last week’s 4-3 defeat to Annagh.

Before that loss the Seasiders’ had lost only one of their previous nine games and look assured of a place in the top division next season subject to a staggering collapse.

On Saturday they will come up against the Championship’s basement side Newington. The Belfast side have endured a miserable season so far but will take hope from a win against Institute last week and two draws before that.

Football is a game of confidence and Newington will feel this is a huge chance for them to cause an upset, however Bangor just might have too much firepower in reserve.

Odds: Home: 2/7 Draw: 9/2 Away: 11/2

Prediction: Bangor

Remaining fixtures and predictions:

Belfast Celtic v Moyola Park (1.30pm)

Prediction: Moyola Park

Knockbreda v Crusaders (1.30pm)

Prediction: Crusaders

Carrick Rangers v Newry City (3pm)

Prediction: Carrick Rangers

Linfield v Wellington Rec (3pm)

Prediction: Linfield

Dollingstown v Ballyclare Comrades (3pm)

Prediction: Ballyclare Comrades

Coleraine v Armagh City (3pm)

Prediction: Coleraine

Limavady United v Larne (3pm)

Prediction: Larne

Dungannon Swifts v Rathfriland Rangers (3pm)

Prediction: Dungannon Swifts

Institute v Loughgall (3pm)

Prediction: Institute

Ballymacash Rangers v Ballinamallard United (3pm)

Prediction: Ballymacash Rangers

Ballymena United v Ards (3pm)

Prediction: Ballymena United

Glenavon v Dundela (3pm)

Prediction: Glenavon