Cliftonville are looking to upset Belfast rivals Linfield’s equally impressive start to the season at Solitude tonight in the pick of Sports Direct Premiership’s midweek fixtures.
The rematch of last season’s Clearwater Irish Cup Final, in which Cliftonville ended their 45-year wait for the trophy with a 3-1, will take place at Solitude with Linfield starting the week in the top spot thanks to goal difference.
Cliftonville will have seen Linfield’s loss against Larne at the weekend like a shark seeing blood and will hope that another top-drawer performance can help them leapfrog their bitter rivals into first place.
Goals from Joe the Goal, Kris Lowe, Jonathan Addis and a brace from Taylor Steven saw them easily dispose of the Bannsiders away from home last time out.
The last time these two sides faced each other in the league, the spoils were shared at Windsor Park as Sam Ashford’s late strike rescued a point for the Reds.
The game will be streamed on the BBC Sport NI website and BBC iPlayer.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Larne return to normal service for now with an away trip to Glenavon as they countdown to their opening UEFA Europa Conference League fixture away to Norwegian side Molde.
The Invermen returned to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership last weekend as they defeated league-leading Linfield at home at Windsor Park.
Carrick Rangers host Ballymena United in an Antrim derby at Mourneview Park with Carrick looking for their first win since the opening day against Glenavon.
Third-placed Crusaders will travel to Strangmore Park, where Dungannon Swifts, who come into this game in fourth, hope that they can leapfrog the Crues and keep their name in the hat at the top of the table.
Loughgall will hope to recover some form after their 5-1 thumping by the Reds at home on Saturday, however, they will have a mountain to climb in the shape of Glentoran, who will be baying for blood after their narrow loss to Ballymena United on Saturday.
Shamrock Park will see Portadown host Coleraine as both sides come into the game on good form with the Co Armagh side winning at home 2-1 against Swifts and Coleraine coming out 3-1 to the good against Carrick at home at the Showgrounds.
Sport Direct Premiership mid-week fixtures (Home teams shown first):
All games on Tuesday, Sept 17 at 7.45pm
Carrick Rangers v Ballymena United
Cliftonville v Linfield
Dungannon Swifts v Crusaders
Glenavon v Larne
Glentoran v Loughgall
Portadown v Coleraine
