Irish Premiership: Kearney wary of struggling Blues

Linfield striker Andrew Waterworth and Coleraine's Steven Douglas contest a high ball

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney believes his team will have to be at their best to beat a Linfield side determined to end a run of four straight defeats.

The Bannsiders sit second in the table after going 11 league games unbeaten and Kearney has been named NIFWA Manager of the Month for November.

"They may be on a bad run but we know going to Windsor Park will be really tough," said Kearney.

"However, we have momentum and we are in touching distance of the top."

Coleraine are six points behind champions Crusaders and Kearney is quick to dismiss any title talk.

"We could have lost our last game against Ballinamallard - it's all about fine margins," he added.

"I've been in management long enough to know there are peaks and troughs.

"At this point in time we are going well but it really is about focussing only on the next game."

Linfield's miserable run continued with a 2-0 defeat at Portadown last Saturday with the Blues slipping to fourth place and 12 points off the pace.

There was some good news this week for Windsor boss David Healy after midfielder Stephen Lowry signed a two-year contract extension.

"I'm absolutely delighted - he will undoubtedly make a positive and major contribution to the remainder of our season and indeed the seasons to come," Healy told the club website.

"This will be welcome news and a boost for our supporters in the run up to the busy holiday period."

Crues striker Jordan Owens has a record in his sights as the leaders prepare to take on Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

The 26-year-old is just one goal away from Glenn Hunter's club record of 157.

Ballymena United midfielder Gavin Taggart is set to return from injury for the Solitude clash against Cliftonville.

Glentoran's win over Glenavon last weekend was Alan Kernaghan's first since taking charge and the east Belfast team make the long trip to Ballinamallard United.

Warrenpoint Town's scheduled game against Portadown has been called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Danske Bank Premiership

Saturday - 15:00 GMT kick-off

Ballinamallard Utd v Glentoran

Cliftonville v Ballymena Utd

Dungannon Swifts v Crusaders

Linfield v Coleraine

Warrenpoint Town P Portadown