Linfield vs Carrick Rangers tips and predictions

Linfield looking so hard to beat

It's third placed Linfield versus seventh placed Carrick Rangers in this NIFL Premiership clash as the hosts look to add to the 11 points that separate the sides.

It won't be long after the 7:45pm kick-off before the home side establishes a foothold on the match. If you like attacking football you'll be buzzing for this to deliver the goals everyone is expecting.

Linfield will be unplayable at times for Carrick Rangers and even though they are prohibitive favourites, the short price is the best play for the value.

The hosts start the match having won 15 times in their last 20 home games. Even if your spider senses are tingling ahead of the match, it looks a bridge too far for the visitors.

When they're at home Linfield have been prolific. Their recent 4 home matches have them averaging an impressive 4.8 goals per game.

Linfield have won 18 of the last 20 fixtures between these sides, most recently with a dominant 4-0 win in October. In their last fixture Linfield walloped Glenavon, impressively winning 3-0.

Linfield are clearly the right favourites and nobody would question that. It will ultimately come down to which side maintains composure under pressure. This is part of Linfield's DNA and is the reason they are predicted to be so dominant.

With the fundamental superiority of Linfield it is possible they keep Carrick Rangers out of contention. The BTTS No could be a perfectly smart play. And taking a look at the goal line, it's no more than two goals standing out in this one given these prices.