It's third v fifth on matchday 16 of the Danske Bank Premiership with Glentoran facing Glenavon at the Oval. The sides met at Mourneview Park on 17th August with the East Belfast Glens winning 2-1. David Howland and David Scullion scored our goals on that occasion but both are currently on the injured list and along with Aaron Boyd, will sit tomorrow's game out.
Also missing for Glentoran through suspension will be Jimmy Callacher, Mark Clarke and Stephen McAlorum. Jim O'Hanlon and Jordan Stewart are both in the 'doubtful' category with a hamstring injury and illness respectively. However, to use one of football's old cliches, one player's misfortune is another player's opportunity and tomorrow a couple may get the chance to impress manager, Eddie Patterson and stake their claim for a regular starting berth.
Visitors Glenavon are a much improved side and as this season has progressed our 2-1 win in Lurgan has looked to be an excellent result. Last weekend they came from 2 goals down to draw with Crusaders and indeed might have snatched all 3 points late on. In midweek though they suffered a disappointing home defeat at home to Ards in the quarter-final of the League Cup. Ards, 3 up at the break, were pegged back to 3-3 after 90 minutes but the newly promoted side managed to make it through to the semis following a penalty shoot-out.