Linfield are first to threaten at the Oval. Niall Quinn slides the ball in front of goal and striker Andrew Waterworth slides in, but he fails to connect. The Blues were an inch away from scoring the opener.

No goals yet as the two sides ease their way into proceedings. No chances to report - we're hoping that changes very soon!

Marty Quinn seems to have little sympathy for Linfield boss David Healy's seven-match touchline ban: "I don't like to see managers appealing for decision right in front of their dugout," the former Cliftonville and Coleraine boss said on Sportsound. 

"I think they need to have a look at themselves with regards to that. Physicality is going out of the game and referees are being lectured, and the game is suffering because of it."

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter insists his side can take nothing for granted against Portadown, who he expects will be rejuvenated after grabbing an impressive point away to Linfield last week. 

It's third against fourth at Solitude this afternoon as Cliftonville host Coleraine. Oran Kearney's Bannsiders can close to within a point of the Reds with a win, but have come away empty-handed in the two previous games between the sides this season. 

However, Gerard Lyttle's team are coming off the back of a couple of disappointing results, losing to Ballinamallard and being held to a 1-1 draw by Glentoran. 

With Cliftonville edging both fixtures this season 1-0, don't be surprised if this one is a tightly-contested affair decided by a single goal again. 

Image source, Press Eye

Gerard Lyttle has reinstated goalkeeper Jason Mooney for today's clash. Meanwhile, Adam Mullan makes his 100th appearance for the Bannsiders. 

Fresh off their League Cup triumph last week, Ballymena travel to Ferney Park without free-scoring full-back Tony Kane in the starting line-up. 

Glenavon assistant manager Paul Millar expects a tough challenge away to Carrick this afternoon. 

Swifts boss Rodney McAree says he wants a quick response from his team after the defeat to Crusaders last week as the season edges closer to the split.   

Some breaking news ahead of the Oval encounter. Blues boss David Healy has received a seven-match touchline suspension after being ordered to the stands in last week's draw with Portadown. It was the third dismissal this season for the former Northern Ireland striker. Linfield say they plan to appeal the ban.

Image source, Press Eye

Andrew Mitchell, who played over 30 times for Ards last season, will hope to continue his impressive scoring form against them at Stangmore Park this afternoon. 

Curtis Allen misses out for the Glens, while there is no Roy Carroll for Linfield as Gary Haveron's side aim to record their first league victory over the Blues since Boxing Day 2011. 

How times have changed. Remember when Glentoran versus Linfield was a pivotal game in the destiny of Irish League titles, a meeting of the traditional 'Big Two'. 

The Glens have endured a difficult period both on and off the pitch and lie a lowly eighth in the standings under new boss Gary Haveron. Linfield are second but nine points adrift of leaders Crusaders and face a fifth straight season without lifting the Gibson Cup. A win today is vital to maintaining slim hopes of catching the Crues, who take on basement boys Portadown in a late (17:30 GMT) kick-off.

Cliftonville and Coleraine are battling it out for third spot and they meet at Solitude while a place in the top six for the league split is the target for Dungannon Swifts, who welcome Ards to Stangmore Park. Carrick Rangers continue their fight against relegation as they host Glenavon and it's back to Premiership duty for Ballymena United following their League Cup triumph. David Jeffrey's men make the long trip to Fermanagh to take on Ballinamallard.

We'll have all the build-up, action and reaction in our live text commentary - thanks for joining us.