The visitors get proceedings under way at a sun-soaked Windsor Park. 

Glentoran manager Gary Haveron hopes his side can build on successive wins over Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers as they chase Dungannon Swifts for the seventh spot which would guarantee a Europa League play-off spot.

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter and Linfield counterpart David Healy offer their thoughts on the crucial top-of-the-table showdown at Windsor Park this afternoon.

The sides have met three times this season and only produced three goals. They all came in Linfield's 2-1 win at Seaview on New Year's Eve, with the other two games ending up as fairly forgettable scoreless stalemates. With so much on the line this afternoon at such a critical juncture in the season, we're expecting more of the same tension and reticence - but one can still dream of a 4-4 draw!

Interestingly, the Twittersphere doesn't hold out much hope for Crusaders. The official NIFL account ran a 90 minute poll yesterday, with 62% of voters predicting a Blues victory. Only 23% are backing the league leaders, while 15% we'll get a third draw between the sides this season. 

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree hopes his side can put the disappointment of their Irish Cup semi-final defeat by Linfield behind them as they aim to retain their seventh place in the league standings.

Speaking after his club's 2-1 league reverse at the hands of Linfield two weeks ago, Ballinamallard United manager Gavin Dykes expresses his hope that the Fermanagh club can soon ensure their Premiership safety for another season.

The three previous encounters between these sides this season have produced an average of six goals per game and don't be surprised if we see another high-scoring game at Mourneview Park this afternoon.

Gary Hamilton's side beat David Jeffrey's Braidmen 5-0 the last time the teams met at the Lurgan venue and Glenavon have also enjoyed a 4-3 comeback win at the Showgrounds in January.

The first game of the season ended in a 3-3 draw in August and both clubs have the Europa League play-offs firmly in their sights.

Glenavon promote prolific young forward Jordan Jenkins into their starting line-up.

Tony Kane serves an automatic one-match ban for Ballymena.

Coleraine, who lie third, are out to extend their remarkable 15-match unbeaten run when they take on fourth-placed Cliftonville at Ballycastle Road.

The Bannsiders are unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day but have yet to score against Cliftonville this season.

Gerard Lyttle's side have won two of the club's three Premiership meetings to date during this campaign on a 1-0 scoreline, with the most recent game between the sides in February ending scoreless.

Cliftonville are boosted by the return from suspension of central defenders Jason McGuinness and Jaimie McGovern but Daniel Hughes and Chris Ramsey are still out.

If you're Windsor Park-bound this afternoon, you'll not only have the luxury of basking in the beautiful Belfast sun - you'll also have the pleasure of experiencing Linfield's 'Planned Singing Section.'

Yes, in the interest of maintaining an atmosphere worthy of this season's biggest game, the group will be "encouraged to sing traditional Linfield songs and to get fully behind the team in a positive, non-offensive manner," according to the club's official website, external .

It's certainly an interesting experiment, but let's see if it can have the desired effect.

The club has also unfurled an eye-catching new banner for today's game, as you can see below.

Join Michael McNamee for Sportsound on BBC Radio Ulster from 14:00 BST, with live commentary from Windsor Park as leaders Crusaders face nearest challengers Linfield. Joel Taggart will take you through the action, with analysis from Chris Morgan and Liam Beckett.

Mark Sidebottom will have the best of the action and reaction on Final Score from Northern Ireland on BBC One at 17:00 BST.

The big team news from Windsor is that Stephen Baxter is without Jordan Owens today, who is nursing a calf injury. It looks like the Crues are lining up with a 4-3-3. That's a blow for the champions - the striker has netted 18 times this season. 

Meanwhile, newly-crowned NIFWA Player of the Month for March Stephen Lowry lines up against his younger brother Philip today.   

It's been a heck of a ride, but we've finally arrived at the business end of the season. Yes, after 33 weeks of heated battle, the Irish Premiership has been split into the traditional top six and bottom six. 

And what better way to mark the occasion than with the meeting of the top two? That's right - Linfield host Crusaders at Windsor Park and, such is the magnitude of the occasion, the sun has even decided to join us. 

However, while that Belfast derby showdown is undoubtedly Saturday's headliner, we've got a pretty decent undercard, too. Oran Kearney's Coleraine welcome Cliftonville to the Showgrounds, with the Bannsiders fresh off their Irish Cup semi-final triumph last week. 

Elsewhere, Glenavon host Ballymena United in a fixture that has produced no fewer than 18 goals in the three previous meeting this season. So, yes, expect a drab 0-0 draw there. 

In the bottom six, Ards face Dungannon Swifts, while Ballinamallard United and Glentoran meet at Ferney Park, but all eyes will be on Shamrock Park as Portadown attempt to secure a stay of execution by beating Carrick Rangers. There are good omens for Ports fans, though, as their side hammered Rangers 4-0 at Shamrock Park back in August.

So sit back, relax and enjoy all of the goals, drama and excitement right here before tuning into Final Score at 5pm on BBC One. It's going to be a good day.