Crusaders FC vs Cliftonville FC Prediction: At least one team will score over 1.5 goals

In the upcoming third game of the NIFL Championship round, Crusaders will play host to Cliftonville at Seaview Park. Cliftonville recently faced a tough 8-1 loss against Larne, a defeat that may still linger in their minds. Meanwhile, Crusaders also suffered a setback against Linfield. Both teams will be eager to bounce back with a positive outcome in this match.

Our prediction for this game suggests a tight and very cagy game with few goals as both teams will be cautious in their style of play. For a detailed analysis and strategic insights into this captivating matchup, delve into our comprehensive betting tips below, tailored to assist bettors in making informed decisions.

Form: LWWDW

Crusaders have had an impressive campaign in the league this season, currently holding the 4th position. They kicked off the NIFL Championship round with a tight win over Larne, showcasing their resilience. However, their recent league match against Linfield ended in a disappointing defeat, halting their seven-game unbeaten streak. As they prepare to take on Cliftonville on Tuesday, Crusaders are determined to secure another positive result. Despite encountering obstacles, Crusaders have displayed their strength throughout the season, notching up 17 victories, 7 draws, and 11 losses in the 35 league matches played so far.

Form: LDLWL

Cliftonville is facing ongoing challenges with inconsistency during this pivotal stage of the NIFL league. With only one win in their last five league games, alongside three losses and a draw, they are struggling to find their form. Their recent match against Larne resulted in a crushing defeat, marking their most significant loss of the season with an 8-1 scoreline. It was undoubtedly a tough day for Cliftonville, and their fans are hopeful they can regroup for their upcoming matchup against Crusaders.

Boasting an admirable record of 22 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses from 35 games, Cliftonville has scored over 40 goals this season. Spearheading their goal-scoring efforts is Ben Wilson, who has impressively found the net over 17 times. With Wilson in exceptional form, there's anticipation that he may further enhance his goal tally in the forthcoming match against Crusaders.

A critical look at the last 13 games between them produced 3 wins for the Crusaders, 6 draws, and 5 wins for Cliftonville.

In eight out of the previous nine matchups between these two teams, we've seen a total of over 2.5 goals, and considering their recent attacking prowess and defensive struggles, a similar outcome appears likely on Tuesday. They've faced off three times this season, with all encounters producing over 2.5 goals. Cliftonville notably dominated with consecutive 0-3, 3-0, and 2-1 victories. Our confidence in predicting over 2.5 goals in this match stands at 1.86 odds.

Furthermore, we anticipate both teams to score, with odds at 1.68, as a "Both Teams to Score" (BTTS) scenario has unfolded in six of their last eight meetings.