UTV Sport - Big Two fixture will be 'tough game'

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Big Two fixture will be 'tough game'

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Alan McDonald is warning his players that they are in for another tough game against Ballymena United
Glentoran manager Alan McDonald does not feel his side have any advantage over Linfield going into Tuesday night's Big Two Carling Premiership game.

The fixture, which was called off on Boxing Day due to poor weather, will be the fifth meeting between Belfast's biggest rivals this season.

Glentoran can go top of the Carling Premiership if they beat Linfield at the Oval.

The Glens won on the last of those occasions, on December 15 when they knocked the Blues out of the Co-Operative Insurance Cup after a 2-1 win in their quarter final second leg.

Glentoran picked up an impressive 3-0 victory over Ballymena United on Saturday to close the gap at the top of the league table to just one point between Crusaders and themselves.

Linfield on the other hand had their match with Institute called off because of a frozen pitch at Drumahoe. Their last game was the 3-2 defeat to Crusaders in the County Antrim Shield Final last week.

McDonald, though, doesn't think those factors will have any impact on Tuesday's game.

"I don't see this game as being any different to any other Big Two match since I've been at the club," the Oval boss told UTV.

"Every single game between Glentoran and Linfield is a very, very tough game.

"We played at the weekend so the important thing for us is to recover quickly.

"We were all disappointed that the game was called off on Boxing Day, not just for the game but financially for the club as well, so hopefully we will have a big crowd and a great atmosphere."

Meanwhile, Coleraine host Ballymena United as the Bannsiders look to build on Saturday's tremendous 5-2 win at Crusaders.

In the Championship, Limavady host Carrick whilst Ards welcome Coagh United and Banbridge Town journey to Loughgall.

Donegal Celtic are at Glebe Rangers and Bangor take on Armagh City.

© UTV News

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