It's a rare occasion that in February a Belfast Big Two Derby doesn't bare much on the outcome of the Danske Bank Premiership but for Glentoran and it would also appear Linfield, hopes of the Gibson Cup remaining in the hands of the original 'Big Two' seem bleak. Cliftonville are currently 12 points clear at the top of the league table with Linfield 15 points behind. A loss at The Oval would surely see an end to Linfield's slim title hopes.
For Glentoran, 3 points are important in our search for qualification for the Europa League. With a potential for 4th place reaching the all important European spots depending on the outcome of the Irish Cup, Glentoran know they must keep winning games in order to challenge the likes of Coleraine, Ballinamallard Utd, Portadown and of course Linfield for these places. There are no new injury worries for tomorrow's game with Mark Clarke recovering from the knock he received on Monday night. David Howland, Richard Clarke and Stephen Carson are set to return having missed Monday's game in Dublin with Andy Waterworth and Sean Ward likely to return to the starting line-up.
For our visitors Linfield it has been an inconsistent season seeing them lying currently in 3rd place, 15 points off leaders Cliftonville. Despite a number of good performances since the festive period, throwing away a two goal lead at home to Ballymena Utd a fortnight ago has summed up Linfield's season.
Despite the game not having a large baring on the title, there is no doubt the Belfast Big Two still have the same rivalry as always and tomorrow's game will be no exception. Linfield broke a streak of 5 games without victory against Glentoran in the league with victory on Boxing Day when Stephen McAlorum was red carded early on. The other result this season was a 1-1 at The Oval with Andy Waterworth netting for The Glens.
Tomorrow's game will undoubtedly still be a thriller as most big two games are and for Glentoran, the game is a fantastic opportunity for the players to lay down a threat to the team's around us about our desire to quality for Europe next season.