Glentoran FC vs Crusaders FC Prediction: Both teams will find the net

The Oval stadium will host The Glens league opener against Crusaders FC on Friday. Glentoran had an amazing run in the NIFL Premiership last season as they finished 4th placed by the end of the regular season while Crusaders finished 5th with a single point behind Glentoran. We envisage a tough opener here with Glentoran not losing at the Oval. Please see the carefully prepared tips.

Glentoran had an amazing run in the NIFL Premiership last season as they finished 4th placed by the end of the regular season with a total of 16 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses from 33 games played. Glentoran had surreal moments in the league last season especially their 6-0 victory against Coleraine. They’ve had new additions to their team, and we will see a new and improved Glentoran squad this season. 

Crusaders also had a great run in the league last season as they finished in the top half of the league which earned them a spot in the NIFL Championship round. They secured 16 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses from a total of 33 league games played in the league last season. Crusaders dreams to play in Europe next season came to an end as they were knocked out by Caernarfon in the Uefa Conference League qualifiers. Ahead of the new season, Crusaders have had over 6 new additions to the team and they are ready to excel in the new season. 

A critical look at their last 20 league encounters produced 11 wins for Glentoran, 7 wins for Crusaders, and 2 draws.

It is their season opener and we expect both teams to exert a different round of energy in this game. Furthermore, It is also important to note that Glentoran has not lost to Crusaders in their last 5 encounters and we expect it to continue especially with this game being played at the Oval; Glentoran's forte. Our prediction is a win or draw and a total of over 1.5 goals at 1.60 odds. 

It is also important to note that both teams have found the net in four of their last five encounters and we see a possibility for both teams to find the net here as Crusaders will also aim for victory.

• Crusaders is without a clean sheet in their last 5 meetings
• There has been total of over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last five games
• Both teams have found the net in 4 of their last five meetings