It’s the business end of the Irish Premiership campaign as the post-split fixtures get under way with plenty to be decided at either end of the table.
Not only is the destination of the Gibson Cup and a place in the Champions League qualifiers up for grabs, but also a place in the Conference League qualifiers for the runners-up and European play-off winners.
The top four are all still in with a shout of lifting the title with Larne in the box seat to secure a third Irish Premiership crown in four years after they extended their lead at the summit following their victory at Glenavon last time out.
Gary Haveron’s side kick-off the first of their final five games at home to Cliftonville, aiming to maintain their four-point advantage over nearest challengers Glentoran.
It doesn’t come any bigger for Declan Devine’s side on Saturday as they host ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield knowing they cannot afford any slip-ups in their bid to secure a first league title since 2008-09.
Third-place Coleraine are breathing down their necks with only four points separating themselves and the Glens in the table, with reigning champions Linfield in fourth still hoping they can overhaul the teams above them, although they are three worse off than the Bannsiders.
Irish Cup semi-finalists Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts make up the top six and they will be jockeying for fifth position and the potential home advantage in the end-of-season play-offs that could bring in their remaining five games, with the Reds currently occupying fifth place.
In the bottom half of the table, there are four teams still in with a shout with securing the final spot in the European play-offs.
With the County Antrim Shield already in the bag, Carrick Rangers will be aiming to cap a great season by sealing seventh place.
But Bangor, Portadown and Ballymena United will be hoping they can reel in Stephen Baxter’s side over the last five games.
It’s all about survival at the foot of the table with one point currently separating Crusaders from bottom club Glenavon.
Both sides will be targeting 11th place to take on Championship opposition in the relegation/promotion play-off with 12th place automatically dropping out of the Premiership and into the second tier.
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