The Northern Ireland Premiership Championship round showdown between Crusaders FC and Larne FC is a match you can’t afford to miss. This 35th-round duel is scheduled for April 5, 2025, at Seaview Stadium, Belfast, Northern Ireland. With Linfield way ahead in the 1st position, the UEFA Conference League qualification spot is at stake in this final stage.
Crusaders FC Form and Stats
Crusaders FC’s domestic league record consists of 15 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses. With 50 points, 41 goals scored and 43 conceded, they occupy the 5th position in this Championship Round. The hosts returned to winning ways in the last round after defeating Glentoran by 1-0 on the road. This victory comes after failing to win in their previous 3 matches on their home ground in all competitions–a 1-1 draw against Loughgall, a 0-2 loss in the hands of Linfield, and another defeat against Cliftonville FC. Considering Crusaders’ 7 victories out of 17 home league games played so far, the home ground advantage seems to be of no significance in this duel. It will not be a walk in the park for them when they host the in form Larne.
Larne FC Form and Stats
Currently in the 2nd spot with 54 points, the same as the 3rd placed Glentoran, there’s a lot of pressure on Larne FC in this away game as they have no room to drop points. However, they have been defending their position very well, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their last 5 games. Additionally, the visitors have not lost a match in their last 4 games on the road; registering 3W, and 1D. Despite having the second-best defense line, with just 28 goals suffered so far, Larne conceded 4 goals in their last 5 matches; while scoring 7 in the process.
Crusaders FC vs Larne FC Odds
Before Crusaders FC and Larne FC cross horns, both have tough opponents to face in the 34th round. The hosts will travel to the South of Belfast to take on the league leaders, while Larne will visit Dungannon Swifts. With 9 days before kickoff, the bookies have not yet presented their offer.
Update
The 34th round is over, and as expected, it was tough for both. Crusaders were trailing by a goal just 2 minutes into the game, by 2 at the hour mark, and 3-0 in the 71st minute. On the other hand, Larne FC didn’t play any better. An own goal by Bigirimana in the 25th minute gave them a lead. However, Glenny equalized for Dungannon 9 minutes later. These results saw the hosts maintaining their position while the visitors dropped to third place.
With Declan Caddell changing the team’s formation regularly (3 in the last 4 matches), it is hard for Crusaders FC to adjust to a playing style. Though preferring defensive football, they have conceded more goals than any of the other 5 teams in this Championship Round. It this defensive weakness that McAree’s squad is expected to explore. Interestingly, Larne FC have an impressive goal tally on the road, 25 away goals against 15 on their home ground.
However, the recent two H2H records between these teams show a tough contest. Each team secured a win, a 1-3 victory for Larne FC on Jan 7 and a 0-1 win for Crusaders on Feb 8. Despite that, the bookmakers still consider the visitors as the favorites, offering @2.29 for their win while the hosts’ victory is priced at @3.14.
Considering Larne FC’s outstanding away performance and Crusaders’ shaky defense line, I will back the visitors to win. However, we shouldn’t overlook the host’s performance in their last encounter, so my bet is Larne FC -0.25 AH at @1.93; an odd you can also enjoy if you open an account at the best betting platform right now!