The Glens face the Reds for the third time this season with the visitors having won the previous two encounters. In both games Cliftonville started well and got their noses in front. Glentoran fought back but were then caught on the break and lost both games by 3 goals.
Since the 4-1 defeat of Glentoran at Solitude on 14th September, the Reds have lost to Glenavon (1-0), drawn with Dungannon Swifts (1-1), lost to Crusaders (0-2) and drawn with Warrenpoint Town (1-1). Their only league victory during this period was a 2-0 win at Ballinamallard Utd.
Three wins on the trot though have brought the Glens back into contention in the Danske Bank Premiership and although we currently occupy 6th place on 19 points, we're just one point off being second! Cliftonville are one of those teams just ahead of us on 20 points.
Cliftonville's goalkeeper, Conor Devlin, misses this game through suspension as does Glentoran's Calum Birney. Jay Magee, Stephen McAlorum and Johnny Addis all missed last week's victory at Coleraine but may all be back in the squad for Cliftonville's visit to the Oval. David Scullion and Aaron Boyd are also close to returning to action. All in all it adds up to a bit of a headache selection for manager, Eddie Patterson but one he'll gladly accept.
Both the manager and players were very complimentary about the support they received from the Glentoran faithful last weekend and hope to have more of the same at the game tomorrow.