Stephen Baxter hopes for a win against Linfield

CRUSADERS hope to serve up a pre-Christmas cracker when they host Linfield at Seaview on Saturday.

It is the only game being played on Saturday afternoon after heavy over night rain water logged five of the other premier matches.

The Seaview ground’s game has been saved because it has an artificial pitch.

The north Belfast team sit in second place behind Cliftonville while the Blues are lagging in fifth place and 14 points adrift of the Danske Bank Irish League leaders.

And Crusaders go into the game having beaten David Jeffrey’s men twice already this season.

With Cliftonville’s match off, Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter hopes a win against Linfield will help close the gap on the Reds to four points.

Linfield need a win to keep them in touch the top four but it could be an uphill struggle as midfielder Michael Gault is suspended.

With Glentoran’s match off, the suspensions’ of Jason Hill, Mark Clarke and William Garrett will carry over to the Boxing Day clash with Linfield.

Saturday 22 December

Danske Bank Premiership – all 3pm kick offs:

Coleraine v Ballinamallard Utd – off

Crusaders v Linfield – kick off 3 pm

Donegal Celtic v Cliftonville – off

Dungannon Swifts v Glenavon – off

Glentoran v Ballymena Utd – off

Lisburn Distillery v Portadown – off