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Six points: David Healy and Stephen Baxter prepare to face each other for the first time this season
Email Billy Weir
While Stephen Baxter may be happy to see other clubs selected as potential title contenders, David Healy is keenly aware of where the most dangerous enemy has come from
With just two games of the season gone, it’s time to search for the cliché book and dust off the ‘six-point title’ as former rivals Linfield and Crusaders lock in again
Last week, Baxter described his side as an ‘underdog,’ a suggestion that brought a wry smile to Healy’s chops when introduced to him
He knows all too well the threat the injured tiger, or underdog in this case, poses to the Crusaders due to failing to lift the Gibson Cup last season.
The sudden end to the campaign also meant that they failed to secure a spot in Europe, so the first showdown between the two teams that topped the race for the Danske Bank Premiership in recent years weather will be a fascinating barometer for the year to come
Over the past six seasons, the Blues and Crues have won the trophy three times each, but with a significant investment from Glentoran and Larne, as well as the challenge from Coleraine and Cliftonville, it seems like a real showdown. in front of us
« Anytime you go up against a Crusader, whether it’s at home or away, you know which way they’re going to play, » Healy said
« They have players – Caddell, Owens, Forsythe, Heatley, Hegarty, O’Neill – guys who have been in and around winning teams before, so they know what it takes to come to Windsor and be at their best
« It should be a good game, it could go both ways. They can be fiery games or calm games, but these are games that we always look forward to »
Plunging his toe into the pool of mind games that Baxter has paddled before, Healy is happy to put some pressure on rowdy neighbors and other contenders for the title
« We’re fighting the tide against the other big clubs in the league this year, ourselves and the Crusaders taking on the other challengers this year, but that’s why you succeed in the Danske Premiership, taking on all those big guys challenges
« I have absolutely no doubt that at the end of the season the Crusaders will be there or around
« They had an indifferent season last year Coming back to three years ago, when we had an indifferent season, after being champions, there is always the incentive and the hunger to want to prove to again to people they are wrong
« I have no doubts that the Crusaders will be in and around the top two or three this season »
Both teams have added to their squad this season, with the Blues bragging about three of their newcomers Chris Johns, Conor Pepper and Navid Nasseri – who scored an absolute cracker – in Saturday’s 3-2 win. last against Ballymena United
This took them to two out of two wins, as Crusaders who walked through the North Belfast derby unharmed and added Adam Lecky, Ben Kennedy and Aidan Wilson to their already very talented and decorated squad.
Linfield captain Jamie Mulgrew limped against Ballymena, but proof of the wealth Healy has at his disposal is that he was able to replace him with Bastien Hery, while Kyle McClean made a fantastic turn
« Kyle McClean is a fantastic player, he can play, he can step into it, technically he’s very good, » Healy added
« We miss Stevie Fallon at the moment so it’s important that we have midfield options with Bastien (Hery), Kyle, Stevie and Jamie and that gives us the opportunity to mix things up »
And speaking of mixing things up, regardless of tonight’s score, both protagonists are sure to be in the mix for the title no matter who says differently
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Linfield FC, David Healy, Crusaders FC, Premiership NIFL, Stephen Baxter, Glentoran FC, Ballymena United FC
World news – UK – Linfield boss David Healy does not fall for early title puzzle games as reigning champions brace for Crusaders clash
Associated title :
– The Linfield boss Healy doesn’t fall for the title’s early mind games as defending champions brace for Crusader clash
– Linfield vs Crusaders: David Healy makes suggestions about his rivals
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
