Crusaders vs Portadown tips and predictions

Rock solid Crusaders?

The total goals expectation for the game is decent so this could be entertaining.

It's sixth placed Crusaders versus 11th placed Portadown in this NIFL Premiership clash as the hosts look to build on the 17-point gap between the sides.

Crusaders are universally favoured to win this. It doesn't look like there's much to play with in the match winner market.

If their latest results are anything to go by, Crusaders will be raring to go. The hosts have registered 9 wins in their last 15 matches. By contrast, the travelling side has been patchy. They've lost 8 of their recent 10 matches on the road. Another defeat is on the cards for them here.

Recently there's been a lot of positive online chitchat about the home side's defence. Credit where it's due; these have been effective tactics. It's likely they'll maintain a clean sheet in this match-up; they are only conceding an average of 0.7 goals over their last 15 games. While the hosts have been rolling with the punches, they'll now be facing a squad that has lacked resistance under pressure in recent times. Away from home Portadown have conceded an average of 3.2 goals in their last 13 assignments. If they concede early that'll be all she wrote.

Crusaders have won 8 of the last 10 fixtures between these sides previously. Some analysts like to ignore them but the head-to-head stats point to another home win.

With the fundamental supremacy of Crusaders it's possible that they keep Portadown tied down. It is not a strong view and it won't be for everyone, but the No BTTS bet is the only option in that market that has any signs of value.