Glentoran's Danske Bank Premiership win streak may have ended last Saturday against Ballymena Utd but the unbeaten run stretching back to mid-January continues. Last week's 0-0 draw at Ballymena Showgrounds was a frustration for The Glens with a failure to produce chances in the first half, and a failure to convert chances in the second half. Overall though the result hasn't proven too damaging with Linfield ahead in 3rd slipping up as well as Coleraine losing to Crusaders behind. As a result very little has changed with Glentoran remaining 4th, 2 points clear of Ballinamallard, 3 clear of Coleraine.
Glentoran's team news may see a return for Jay Magee and Elliott Morris who were both injured in the warm-up before last Saturday's game. Mark Clarke is still suspended following his second red card of the season against Linfield last month. Following defeat to Sligo on Monday in the Setanta Cup, many key players who missed out may make a return to the squad.
Our visitors Ballinamallard Utd have enjoyed an excellent opening season to life in the top tier. They are on the verge of booking their spot in the top 6 in time for the split in just 2 games time which has exceeded most people's expectations. Ballinamallard have struggled since Christmas to score goals with only Jason McCartney reaching double figures following his hat-trick against Dungannon Swifts last weekend. However although struggling in front of goal, The Mallards have been fantastic defensively picking up 13 clean sheets this season.
So far Ballinamallard Utd remain the only side in the top half of the Danske Bank Premiership who Glentoran have beaten. Both fixtures against The Mallards this season finished with Glentoran victories, by 4-1 in Ferney Park and 2-1 at The Oval in December. Glentoran will hope to join Crusaders as the only other club to pick up full points this season so far against the resiliant Mallards defence