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Glentoran v Glenavon- Preview

Sat, 20/10/2012 - 11:27
Glentoran v Glenavon

Today Glentoran face Glenavon in search of victory having lost the previous two league fixtures. One of the key factors for our recent slump in form has undoubtedly been due to the growing number of injuries at the club. This week, there is mixed news with more players joining the list of casualties however one notable return will definitely add a boost of morale to the squad.

Having been sent off last weekend against Portadown, Elliott Morris will be suspended with Aaron Hogg in line to replace him. Jay Magee was stretchered off in the same game and will also be unavailable. Andy Waterworth remains a massive blow as he is out with a groin injury although could make his return next week. Colin Nixon will also miss the game having had a nose operation in the past week. Calum Birney may make a welcome return and Richard Gibson is also a 'maybe' as he scored four goals for the seconds last week however picked up another knock too.

On a more positive note, Stephen Carson is expected back in the squad. Having missed the last number of games, Carson's return will certaintly boost the mood around The Oval after a tough few weeks of poor results and injury woes. Eamon Murray is expected to play for the seconds this weekend as he searches for match fitness on return from injury too.

With just two victories so far after the first round of fixtures, Glenavon will be determined not to be sucked into a relegation battle. Led by ex-Glentoran player and Northern Ireland international, Gary Hamilton, Glenavon will be looking to exploit our poor run and provide an upset today. Matty Burrows could make an Oval return having scored Glenavon's late equaliser at Mourneview in August. This season all of Glenavon's defeats have been by a single margin and of course they were 2-0 up on Linfield before losing 3-2 last month so there's no taking Hamilton's side for granted. A tough game will be expected as both sides search for a much needed 3 points.