With little to choose between both squads, the victors of this afternoon’s North Belfast derby Seaview will be won by the team that wants it most.
So says Crusaders manager Declan Caddell ahead of his first game orchestrating affairs from the dugout against neighbours Cliftonville.
The former midfield powerhouse took over from long-serving predecessor Stephen Baxter over the summer and his team has made a bright start, winning both opening league games.
Cliftonville enjoyed a successful season in Jim Magilton’s first term at the helm, winning the Irish Cup Final in a glorious climax to the campaign.
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There have been changes at both North Belfast clubs as both managers have brought a raft of new faces to Seaview and Solitude.
Adapting to the challenges of such an important clash will be key for the new signings in both teams, and Caddell wants to see their desire to win come to the fore today.
“I think the squads are very evenly matched if you look at them”, said Caddell.
“Jim lost key players at the end of last season and has replaced them with other quality players, and I believe we have added quality players to our squad too.
“With so little between the teams on paper, it will probably come down to whoever wants it more today.
“That’s the way it has always been between Crusaders and Cliftonville, as far back as I can remember.
“The new signings on each side will play a major part today too.
“It will be strange seeing so many new faces in a North Belfast derby.
“We have Jacob Blaney, Harry Franklin, Kieran Offord and Harry Jewitt-White, all new to the league, and Jordan Stewart, who isn’t new to the league but he’s new to this derby.
“That’s five out of your starting eleven who have never played in a North Belfast derby before, and it’s the same for Cliftonville with their new players.
“We are under no illusions. The Reds have nine points from three games so far.
“They might not be playing the level of football Jim wants just yet, but they are getting results and that is a mentality thing.
“We have to match Cliftonville in terms of our mentality and show that we have the hunger to take all three points today.”
