Pressure continues to mount at the top of the Premier League with early leaders Cliftonville currently three points ahead but being hounded by no less than three other sides, Linfield, Portadown and Ballymena. The pacesetters feature in undoubtedly the match of the day when they visit a Glenavon side whose own championship aspirations have taken a dip with recent inconsistent form.

Another key clash comes when joint second spot, Ballymena and Linfield, come head to head at the Showgrounds. Both will be looking for maximum points and the chance of taking over the top of the table.

Billy St Clair is in temporary charge of Glentoran for their visit to Ards, whose boss Roy Coyle has been mentioned as a candidate for the vacant manager's chair at The Oval. Other names to come into the frame in the last 24 hours include former Northern Ireland international Mal Donaghy.

Other Premier League games see Coleraine entertain reigning champions Crusaders and Omagh Town play hosts to Portadown.