Bitesize Prediction: Linfield vs Larne – 30/12/24

Competition: NIFL Premiership

Market: Both teams to score – No

Odds: 8/11 @ BetUS

Simply looking to extend their remarkable buffer at the top of the Premiership table, Linfield will welcome Larne to Windsor Park on Monday night.

Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has been a sensational Premiership romp this season, Linfield are breezing their way to a history-making 57th domestic crown. While the Northern Irish giants might have eventually been forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Glentoran last time out, David Healy’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Getting December underway with a routine 3-0 romp against Coleraine, the one-time Leeds striker has seen his squad muster 13 points from just their previous five Premiership appearances. Opening Monday’s showdown at Windsor Park holding a sensational 12-point buffer at the top of the table, Linfield have also gained a reputation for their defensive success. In fact, the runaway leaders have recorded a clean sheet in each of their last four consecutive matchups against top-flight opposition. Likewise, it should also be noted, the Blues have recorded back-to-back clean sheets at Windsor Park for the first time since the end of February.

As for the visitors, although Larne might have successfully defended their Premiership crown last season, the Reds have endured a public struggle this time around. Still scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the table, the County Antrim-based outfit have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, despite failing to collect back-to-back wins since the start of October, they should take some solace from their success at the back. Conceding just 12 Premiership strikes this season, Larne hold the best defensive tally among Northern Ireland’s elite. Facing what should be a heavyweight challenge when they travel to their bitter rivals on Monday night, Larne should also be concerned by their most recent showdown against the runaway leaders. Falling to a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Linfield to Inver Park back on November 16th, the Reds are pencilled in as a real underdog here.

Bet: Both teams *not* to score at Linfield vs Larne 8/11 for Monday’s NIFL Premiership matchup @ BetUS