Healy wary of struggling Glens in Boxing Day derby - "they'll be fired up for this one"

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Blues boss David Healy

By Q Radio Sport

Defending champions Linfield gave their Danske Bank Premiership title hopes a boost on Saturday with a 2-0 victory against Cliftonville.

Andy Waterworth scored a stunning second goal at Windsor Park on his 200th appearance for the club.

The 31-year-old hopes there'll be many more...

The result signals the end of a seven-game winning streak for Barry Gray's team...

David Healy's men move above the Reds into fourth place, 14 points behind leaders Coleraine with two games in hand.

Attention now turns to their Boxing Day derby with Glentoran at the Oval.

Glens manager Gary Haveron is under pressure from a section of supporters to quit after Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw at Carrick.

But Blues boss Healy expects their Big Two rivals to come out fighting...

Carrick's point against the Glens sends them five clear of basement club Ballinamallard - the Fermanagh side lost 2-1 at Ards.

Glenavon are third in the standings after a 3-0 win away to Dungannon Swifts. Former Northern Ireland midfielder Sammy Clingan struck twice for the Lurgan Blues who had James Singleton sent off.

Now for a closer look at those Boxing Day derby fixtures. 

Glentoran vs Linfield

The Blues are hot favourites, but the Glens are desperate for a victory.

Under-pressure Gary Haveron thinks he has the players to do it...

Crusaders vs Cliftonville

A crunch match between the teams sitting second and fifth.

It's the first north Belfast Boxing Day derby for Reds boss, Barry Gray...


Crues keeper Sean O'Neill is looking forward to the challenge - and to renewing old acquaintances with the Reds fans!

Coleraine vs Ballymena United

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney has seen this one from both sides - he's a former Sky Blues player.


Here's the Ballymena captain Jim Ervin...
 

Glenavon vs Warrenpoint Town

Matthew Tipton has experience in Mid-Ulster derbies as a star striker with Portadown...


Ballinamallard United vs Dungannon Swifts

There's plenty at stake in the Fermanagh-Tyrone derby.

The rock bottom home side need wins to avoid the drop - the Swifts need them to stay in with a shout of reaching the top six.

Ards vs Carrick Rangers

Carrick aiming for three points which could send them eight clear of the Mallards. 

All the games start at 3pm.

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