Big Two top the bill as local rivals prepare for battle in the Boxing Day derbies

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Glens had 2-1 win in last Boxing Day derby at Oval in 2017.

Q Radio Sport

The stage is set for the Boxing Day fixtures in the Danske Bank Premiership.

The Belfast derbies are Glentoran at home to Linfield and Crusaders against Cliftonville.

Glentoran were in crisis this time last year and manager Ronnie McFall was set to leave.

But the club's fortunes have been transformed in the past 12 months after a major investment. 

The Glens are unbeaten in 10 games and manager Mick McDermott says he can't wait for the holiday showdown...

Glens striker Cameron Stewart is free to play as his recent controversial red card against Crusaders is being appealed. He scored for Linfield in the 2017 Boxing Day fixture, which the Glens won 2-1.

The Blues currently top the table, five points clear of their old rivals with a game in hand.

Boss David Healy says Christmas is on hold for him, but he'll celebrate if they get the right result at the Oval...


 

 

Meanwhile, Coleraine welcome Ballymena to Ballycastle Road.

Bannsiders defender Aaron Canning expects a hot reception from the visiting fans, but says he's ready for it...

Also on Thursday, there's the return of the east Antrim derby with Larne hosting Carrick.

Glenavon have Dungannon Swifts in mid-Ulster.

And Institute against Warrenpoint is the odd game out with teams from opposite ends of the country going head to head in a relegation battle.

They all start at 3pm. 

 

 

Kicking off the festive fixtures is the Steel and Sons Cup final on Christmas morning.

Linfield Swifts take on Newington at Seaview at 10.45. 

It's a repeat of the decider from two years ago which Newington won 1-0.

Update: Swifts win 3-1.

Glentoran striker Jonny Frazer and now Glens teammate Cameron Stewart starred in the Swifts team that won the cup in 2016.

Frazer says it's the perfect stage for young players...

 

 

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