Larne FC vs Cliftonville FC
Stadium: Inver Park
10.01.2025, 22:45
The upcoming game between Cliftonville and Larne promises to be an enthralling encounter. Both teams will aim for victory, with just 2 points between them in the NIFL premiership table. Larne is in 9th place in the league but a victory here could take them up the ladder, while Cliftonville is in 5th. Cliftonville had it very bad in their last three league games with three consecutive league defeats but we might see a different dynamic against Larne on Friday. Let’s analyze both teams’ forms, key stats, and my expert opinion.
Larne FC (9th)
Form in the League: WDWDL
Larne have also had a bad start to the season as they remain in 9th place in the league although they have 6 outstanding games and if they secure a win in all 6 of those games they’ll be on their way to the top 3. They proved themselves in their first league game of the year against Crusaders earlier this week with a 1-3 victory. They are well positioned for another win or draw as they take on Cliftonville who will not go down without a fight. It is imperative to mention that they finally secured a victory in the Uefa Conference League after five consecutive defeats.
They are currently in 9th place in the league table with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses from the 17 games played. They still have 6 outstanding games to play in the league.
Cliftonville FC (5th)
Form in the League: LLLDW
The Reds had a bad ending to the year 2024 as they went to the break with three consecutive league losses. The losses could be excused because they were up against tough teams in the NIFL but it still trifles down to their defensive options which Jim Magilton is trying hard to find solutions to. Cliftonville will try to redeem themselves on Friday against an offensive side like Larne. The odds of that happening are slim but it’s a new year with positive energies in Cliftonville's dressing room.
Cliftonville is currently in 5th place in the Northern Ireland League table with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses from the 21 games played in the league this season. Joe Gormley is Cliftonville’s current top scorer with 15 goals already to his name this season.
Head-To-Head Statistics
A critical look at their last 20 encounters produced 10 wins for Larne, 5 wins for Cliftonville, and 5 draws.
Expert Betting Tips
If we take a look at their current form in the league and their head-to-head stats you’ll agree with me that Larne is well positioned for a win or a draw in this encounter. Both teams have clashed twice this season and Larne has the lead with a victory in one and a draw in the other. We witnessed Larne’s offensive abilities in their most recent league game against Crusaders and I’m willing to take the bet on Larne for a win or a draw and a total of over 1.5 goals. Also, note that Larne has not lost to Cliftonville in their last 5 league games. Cliftonville will not go down without a fight and they’ll most likely get a goal at Inver Park as this has been the case in 4 of their last 5 meetings. Please see some of their head-to-head streaks below;
- No losses for Larne in their last 5 meetings
- Both teams have found the net in 4 of their last 5 meetings
Other predictions
