Preview
Carrick Rangers will be severely depleted for their clash with Cliftonville. Following their latest away defeat to Linfield, head coach Baxter has been left without five important players, with injuries and suspensions significantly weakening his squad.
The unavailable players are:
❌ Snoddy (5/1)
❌ Callacher (5/0) – suspended
❌ Forsythe (5/0)
❌ Heatley (4/3 top scorer) – suspended
❌ Burns (4/0)
The absence of Heatley is particularly significant, given his three goals in the opening five rounds, while the overall loss of five regular contributors leaves Carrick Rangers with considerably fewer options.
Cliftonville have made a solid start to the campaign, recording three victories from their opening five matches (3-0-2). They also have an excellent recent record at Loughview Leisure Arena, winning five of their last six visits.