Glentoran face Ballymena United at the Oval on Friday night needing a win to strengthen their grip on a top six place. The Glens, currently fifth in the Danske Bank Premiership, could be overtaken by the Sky Blues if they lose this game.
The two sides have met twice already this season. The first meeting at the Oval was a 0-0 draw. The second meeting at the Ballymena Showgrounds was a much more exciting affair with the Glens winning 4-3 (see the action from that game on BBC Sport NI HERE).
United have improved as the season has progressed and will be massive favourites to clinch a place in the Irish Cup final having been drawn against this season's surprise package, Queens in the semi-final. Their recent record at the Oval is impressive too with six wins in their last eight visits. Defender, Mark McCullagh sits this one out through suspension.
Glentoran too hope to return to Windsor Park in May for another Irish Cup final but will need to improve on their recent form to make it. Manager Eddie Patterson, will have one eye on next Monday's quarter-final against Glenavon (to be played at the Oval - ko 7:45pm) when he makes his team selection for Friday's game. Already without Johnny Addis and Steven Gordon through suspension, Patterson has a few injuries to contend with too. Jason Hill, Calum Birney and Jay Magee are all carrying knocks and may not be risked. Marcus Kane is a longer term absentee. Mark Clarke and Fra McCaffrey are available for this league fixture but suspension and inelligibility rule both out next Monday.