Despite Cliftonville dominating the domestic scene in the last couple of seasons, Belfast's original 'Big Two' game remains Northern Irish football's stand out fixture. Whenever Glentoran meet Linfield there is guaranteed the top crowd of the season and almost always a game of entertaining quality.
It is very much a new look Linfield with former Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney taking over from long-serving David Jeffery at the end of last season. Feeney has overseen an overhaul of his old squad and brought in a number of new faces mostly from across the water. Things didn't get off to the best of starts however for Linfield who were humiliated 3-0 away to Portadown in the season opener on Saturday. Gary Twigg scored twice whilst an own goal by former Glentoran player Sean Ward condemned Linfield to the worst possible start to the post-Jeffery era. Feeney insists he has faith in his team though so don't expect many changes to Saturday's line up this evening.
For Glentoran despite also failing to win on Saturday it had a very different feel about it. Recording a highly respectable 0-0 draw at the home of the champions Cliftonville at Solitude. Glentoran were the better team for large parts as the youngsters from last season start to blossom already this year. What was most impressive was the solid defending with arguably an entirely make shift back four on the day. Niall Henderson played right back whilst Jonny Addis and Garrett played in the middle with young Stephen McCullough on the left. Calum Birney was on the bench at the weekend and Jay Magee may also be in the squad tonight along with new signing Barry Holland which could give the defence a more conventional look this evening.
As for midfield the very impressive Kym Nelson hobbled off on Saturday so is a doubt for this evening's game. His replacement on Saturday David Howland is welcome news to the Glentoran faithful as he returns from a long-term injury. With Marcus Kane on his return to full fitness too it will lead to a very competitive midfield for The Glens this season. Mark Miskimmin is expected to start up front once again as Curtis Allen remains suspended and Danny McKee will be unavailable this evening as well.
Tonight's game is pay at the gate and with the encouraging start on Saturday there is no reason for a big crowd of Glenmen not to be down this evening to cheer the boys on. A good result tonight could set up a really strong start to the season with arguably our two toughest fixtures to open the campaign.
Also a reminder that the players from our successful Academy will be unveiled this evening to the fans to celebrate an incredible summer's success.
See you tonight! COYG