This weekend sees the return of cup action with the sixth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.
We are now down to the last 16 teams, all of whom fancy their chances at picking up a coveted piece of silverware and the European qualification that goes alongside it.
The action kicks off with the glamour tie of the weekend as Declan Devine’s Glentoran host league-leaders Linfield at the Oval, a game that is being streamed live on the BBC iPlayer. A big crowd is sure to be in attendance in east Belfast for this one as the Blues seek to inflict a first defeat upon the Glens this season.
Other matchups that catch the eye include Cliftonville versus Glenavon, with the Lurgan Blues in fantastic form. There could also be a family battle at Seaview, with the Lowry brothers Philip and Stephen coming face-to-face when Crusaders welcome Championship side Limavady United.
So, lets find out the runners and riders and who the smart money may be on for a place in the last eight.
FRIDAY (7:45pm, LIVE ON BBC iPLAYER)
Glentoran v Linfield
This is a mouthwatering clash between the two form sides of the Premiership. It is second against first in the standings, but positions count for nothing in cup football.
The Glens have won three of the meetings between the sides so far this season, with the fourth game ending in a draw. Devine will feel he has the Blues’ number.
The east Belfast side will also be looking for revenge, having flopped to a 3-1 defeat to Linfield in last year’s semi-final. However, they are a different beast 10-months on.
Kieran Offord is likely to make his Linfield debut, which is perfect timing with Matthew Fitzpatrick suspended.
This game is almost too hard to call with the bookies fancying an away win, but I think an upset could be on the cards with the Glens snatching it.
Odds: Home: 12/5 Draw: 11/5 Away: 21/20
Prediction: Glentoran
SATURDAY (3pm)
Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine
These two are well acquainted having met last weekend in the league. On that occasion Coleraine required a Matthew Shevlin goal four minutes into added time to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw and there is no reason to doubt this one will be another close affair.
Both sides saw up lower league opposition 5-0 in the previous round of the competition, and with all six of their previous battles against one another seeing both sides score, goals look a certainty at Stangmore Park.
It is possible that home advantage may just be enough to see the Swifts over the line here, but with Coleraine’s second-half performances of late, don’t write off the Bannsiders, even if they are behind at the break.
Odds: Home: 11/8 Draw: 23/10 Away: 8/5
Prediction: Dungannon Swifts
Moyola Park v Ards
It is a battle of the Premier Intermediate and the Championship at Mill Meadow.
Neither side is pulling up any trees in their respective division, with Park in sixth in the third tier and Ards in seventh in the Championship, however one of these teams will be in the last-eight draw come 6pm on Saturday.
Moyola will see this as a huge opportunity to progress with home advantage but I feel Ards might just have too much in the bank for their rivals.
Odds: Home: 21/4 Draw: 10/3 Away: 41/100
Prediction: Ards
Ballinamallard United v Carrick Rangers
Having squeezed past Newry City in the previous round, Carrick are rewarded with another fortunate draw in round six against Championship opposition.
Rangers are 11th in the Premiership and on a horrible run of form, with a severe lack of goal scorers. Anything but a win here would be classed as a disaster for Stephen Baxter’s side.
The Mallards are languishing in tenth themselves and have only one win in their last five. They have done superbly to reach this stage of the competition, but it may be one step too far.
Odds: Home: 4/1 Draw: 31/10 Away: 52/100
Prediction: Carrick Rangers
Crusaders v Limavady United
Brotherly love goes out the window at Seaview on Saturday when Philip and Stephen Lowry will face-off for their respective clubs against one another.
This is an intriguing tie as United are going great in the Championship. The north-west side are in second place and have only been defeated once in their last five outings.
Crusaders looked to have turned a corner with wins against Coleraine and Portadown, before going down to Linfield on Tuesday night. However, Declan Caddell will be hopeful of progressing here.
Odds: Home: 1/6 Draw: 6/1 Away: 19/2
Prediction: Crusaders
Cliftonville v Glenavon
These are two teams who could not be on more different form. The Reds’ have only managed one win in their last five, while Glenavon have only lost once in the same period.
Paddy McLaughlin has worked wonders at Mourneview Park since arriving but will see Saturday’s game against his old club as the real litmus test of how far they have come. Can he get results away to the biggest clubs in the league?
Cliftonville fans will take some heart for the fact they have not lost to the Blues in a whopping 17 games, but this is the cup after all.
The Reds will not give up their trophy without a fight and I feel this game is very likely to go the distance.
Odds: Home: 4/6 Draw: 5/1 Away: 31/10
Prediction: Cliftonville
Remaining ties:
Bangor v Annagh United
Prediction: Bangor
Dollingstown v Loughgall
Prediction: Loughgall