PREVIEW: Glenavon can create a healthy gap with win over Sky Blues

Glenavon could move four points clear of Carrick Rangers in the race for the final European play-off spot if they can see off Ballymena United in tonight’s re-arranged Danske Bank Premiership clash.

This fixture is the final game before the ‘split’ kicks off on Good Friday. The game had been down to be played last Saturday but a heavy downpour waterlogged the Showgrounds pitch.

With Carrick suffering defeat last week in their final pre-split fixture to Crusaders, a win for the Lurgan Blues would give them a healthy advantage going into the final five games of the season.

Defeat for David Jeffrey’s side would also virtually put them out of the running for European qualification through the league.

Glenavon are unbeaten in their last four and have won their last three on the bounce, including their most recent victory against Coleraine.

“After sitting down in eighth or ninth over the last number of weeks and things turning sour for us, to come back in the way we have has been brilliant,” Glenavon assistant boss Paul McAreavey said.

“We’re sitting in seventh going into the last game before the split and hopefully we can keep it going.

“The results have been outstanding but you also have to look at the shape of the team and the performances, which have been excellent.

“Hopefully we can keep that going. It gives us a lot of confidence going over the final hurdle of the season.”

Glenavon will have Aaron Prendergast, Jamie Doran and Harry Lynch back following their international call-ups, and should be boosted by the returns of Peter Campbell and Jordan Stewart, who was due to face a fitness test ahead of the original clash with the Sky Blues.

Jordan Williamson’s dismissal against Larne means he remains suspended for United, meaning United may have to rely on 16-year-old Marcus Thompson or hope that Sean O’Neill can make a return from injury.