Crusaders FC vs Cliftonville FC Prediction: Both teams are currently in bad shape

In the 15th round of the Northern Ireland Premiership Crusaders will take on Cliftonville at Seaview. Cliftonville has failed in their last two league games with two consecutive defeats and Crusaders even have it worse as theirs extended to three consecutive league defeats. Regardless of their recent form I still believe Cliftonville will not lose to Crusaders, the worst they can get out of it is a draw as they are better in form when compared to Crusaders. Let us analyze both teams’ forms, key stats, and my expert opinion on the upcoming game.  

Form in the League: LLLDW

Sadly, Crusaders have suffered three consecutive league defeats in their last three league games, a team that was fighting for the top spot in the league has now gone down to 7th place. Their last league game was against Portadown and it ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat. They have the home advantage heading into this game but their home record hasn’t been outstanding as they lost woefully to Glentoran the last time they played a league game on their home turf. 

Kieran Offord is the team's top scorer this season with 8 goals and he is the man to look out for in the Crusaders attack. Crusaders are currently 7th placed in the league with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses from the 20 league games played. 

Form in the League: LLDWL

Cliftonville failed to redeem themselves against Glentoran last week after that controversial defeat to Portadown. The sad part of the defeat to Glentoran was that Cliftonville was close to sealing the win as they drew the first blood with a goal from Joe Gormley in the 29th minute but Glentoran responded twice and ultimately won the game by a 1-2 scoreline. Players like Michael Glynn and Joe Gormley were instrumental for Cliftonville in that game. 

Cliftonville is currently in 5th place in the Northern Ireland League table with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses from the 20 games played in the league this season. Joe Gormley is Cliftonville’s current top scorer with 15 goals already to his name this season.

A critical look at their last 20 meetings produced 5 wins for Crusaders, 6 wins for Cliftonville, and 9 draws.

Cliftonville has failed in their last two league games with two consecutive defeats and Crusaders even have it worse as theirs extended to three consecutive league defeats. However, irrespective of their recent form I still believe Cliftonville will not lose to Crusaders, the worst they can get out of it is a draw as they are better in form when compared to Crusaders. My first prediction here is a win or draw and a total of under 3.5 goals for Cliftonville. 

We expect a very offensive approach to this game from both teams and I believe it should potentially lead to goals from both teams. To be more conservative my prediction is a draw or BTTS.