Coleraine boss Kearney tipping Crusaders to win title

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney believes Crusaders will win the Premiership title ahead of the Seaview clash against the inform north Belfast side.

The Crues, who are three points behind leaders Linfield, are unbeaten in 19 matches while Coleraine have won just one of their last six league games.

"At this time they are my tip for the league - in the firepower department they are right up there," said Kearney.

"They have quality in their squad and an ability to win on all surfaces."

Timmy Adamson is banned for Crusaders while Coleraine midfielder Michael Hegarty returns from a ban.

Kearney is not feeling pressure despite the recent slump and he is calling on Bannsiders fan to rally behind the team.

He added: "I know we haven't taken points from games we should have but our performances have been spot-on and we've been creating chances and scoring goals.

"It has been an adversity-struck season and some people have jumped on the bandwagon.

"I've been here two and half seasons and this is our first blip, which people are quick to forget, but I'm not feeling under pressure and I've got the full support of the board.

"I would sincerely hope the fans pull together and give us a bit of help - it's easy to sing when we're winning but a lot tougher to stand up when things are not going so well.

"The players would really respond to a bit of support from the fans and they could do their bit to give us a hand."

Portadown boss Ronnie McFall will celebrate his 1000th league game in charge in the Shamrock Park game against champions Cliftonville.

Ports defender Chris Casement is banned while Reds striker Joe Gormley also sits out the match because of suspension.

Glentoran pair Elliott Morris and Jason Hill are doubts because of illness ahead of the trip to Ballinamallard.

Mallards winger Jason McCartney is banned while keeper Fergal Murphy (ankle) is an injury doubt.

Linfield midfielder Michael Gault is available again for the visit of Glenavon but the Blues have doubts over Jamie Mulgrew, BJ Burns, Brian McCaul and Michael Carvill.

Warrenpoint Town have defender Darren King back from a ban but Stephen Moan is suspended for the Stangmore Park meeting with Ballymena United.

Sky Blues boss Glenn Ferguson must plan without the injured Stephen McBride and banned Michael Ruddy while Mark Surgenor and Gary Liggett are major doubts.

Bans keep Ards pair David Gibson and Craig McMillen out of the home game with Dungannon Swifts while Kyle McDowell, Paul McDowell and Mark McClelland are injury concerns.

Danske Bank Premiership

Saturday 23 November - 15:00 GMT kick-off

Ards v Dungannon Swifts

Ballinamallard Utd v Glentoran

Crusaders v Coleraine

Linfield v Glenavon

Portadown v Cliftonville

Warrenpoint Town v Ballymena Utd