Not quite fixt up

The race for the final top-six position in the Sports Direct Premiership will go down to Easter Tuesday.

Though Cliftonville host Larne in a vital League encounter that night, it is in fact the clash between Carrick Rangers and Linfield that will have an impact on the division’s post-split schedule.

The Gers retain a mathematical hope of overtaking sixth-placed Coleraine in the standings and will do so if they can claim a five-goal victory over the Blues at the Loughview Leisure Arena.

Such an outcome would mean that Cliftonville will begin their post-split programme by hosting Carrick on Saturday, April 6, otherwise the Reds will instead travel to Coleraine that afternoon.

As supporters who have been following our dedicated guide will be aware, five of the Premiership’s top-six sides have now been identified and, to provide fans with an indication of how the fixture landscape will look, the calendar below is reflective of both potential outcomes and is provided on the understanding that the template remains subject to amendment by the NI Football League.

If Coleraine finish in the top six
Saturday, April 6: Coleraine v Cliftonville (3pm)
Saturday, April 13: Larne v Cliftonville (3pm)
Tuesday, April 16: Crusaders v Cliftonville (7.45pm)
Saturday, April 20: Cliftonville v Glentoran (3pm)
Saturday, April 27: Linfield v Cliftonville (5.30pm)

If Carrick Rangers finish in the top six
Saturday, April 6: Cliftonville v Carrick Rangers (3pm)
Saturday, April 13: Larne v Cliftonville (3pm)
Tuesday, April 16: Crusaders v Cliftonville (7.45pm)
Saturday, April 20: Cliftonville v Glentoran (3pm)
Saturday, April 27: Linfield v Cliftonville (5.30pm)