Irish League Preview - Final Day

Helicopter Saturday? No, there will be a man sitting at Nutts Corner with the Gibson Cup in the car listening to the scores waiting to hear where he will have to take the cup come 5pm.

Crusaders and Coleraine remained locked at the top of the table with 88 points but it is all in the hands of Stephen Baxter’s men as they hold a 22 goal difference advantage.

Crusaders travel to the Ballymena Showgrounds to take on Coleraine’s biggest rivals Ballymena United.

From the outside looking in it would appear that the Ballymena lads would be happy to roll over and let the Crues take the title but their manager is none other than David Jeffery.

Jeffery is a born winner lifting the league on nine occasions with Linfield, Bannsider supporters can ensure a professional job will be completed.

Coleraine travel to Mourneview Park to take on Glenavon who are actively seeking a third place finish with Linfield hot on their heels.

Gary Hamilton’s side will be looking to secure third place and hope that Coleraine win next week’s Irish Cup final as that would secure their Europa League spot.

Oran Kearney’s side have been dealt the blow of missing Lyndon Kane who sustained a serious injury on Saturday meaning he will miss the rest of the season.

Darren McCauley picked up the player of the year award midweek and was the hero at Windsor Park on Saturday.

The former Derry City man scored two in as many minutes to secure a draw from the clutches of defeat in Windsor Park, ensuring the title race went to the final day.

Cliftonville did their best to derail rivals, Crusaders title charge by earning a point at Seaview but Coleraine could not take full advantage.

Coleraine went the entire season unbeaten at home and have only lost once this season, back in November away at Linfield.

On Easter Tuesday, the top two met at Seaview with everything on the line. Jamie McGonigle gave his side the lead from the spot before Crusaders earned a draw at the death.

For the past number of weeks it has been nothing lost and nothing gained in the title race. But this Saturday there is everything to lose but also everything  to gain.

Baxter’s side will hope that the pattern runs for another week and they lift the title.

While Coleraine will be hoping for late drama that sees them lift the title after a historic season.

Permutations

If Coleraine win and Crusaders draw…Coleraine win the league

If Coleraine win and Crusaders lose…Coleraine win the league

If both sides win and Coleraine better Crusaders win by 23 goals…Coleraine win the league

If both sides win and Coleraine don’t better Crusaders by 23 goals…Crusaders win the league

If Crusaders win and Coleraine draw…Crusaders win the league

If Crusaders win and Coleraine lose…Crusaders win the league

If both sides draw…Crusaders win the league