Glentoran host Larne on Friday the 17th of March in what is the ultimate title decider in the Irish Premiership.
Larne sit atop the league and have won the Premiership 2 of the last 3 years, and are in the more comfortable position of the two sides sitting three points above their opponents on 79 points.
On the other hand, Glentoran are closing in on two decades without a title winning season and are doing everything in their power to pack out the Oval for the big game.
The two sides have already faced each other four times across the 2025/26 campaign with Larne looking the more convincing winners, with three victories and a draw, they are yet to lose the fixture this season and will be hoping to continue their dominant form.
Glentoran have already suffered cup heartbreak at the hands of the Reds and rivals Linfield this season, with penalties ending their Irish cup campaign and a late Linfield penalty in extra-time at the League Cup final seeing silverware slip from their grasp.
With both sides trophyless so far this season, it makes the fixture a feast for the eyes on paper.
I spoke to brothers Robert and David Wilson, East Belfast locals who have been diehard Glentoran fans for as long as they can remember, they feel this is the closest they’ve been to lifting the league since they were toddlers.
They said, “winning the league would mean everything to us.”
“It’s been 17 years since we last won the league and have faced a lot of grief during this time, especially with our rivals Linfield doing so well; and always make sure to remind us of that.”
“So to win the league this year, especially after the cup upsets would mean everything to us as Glen’s men.”
Everything will not be signed and sealed after Friday however, if the Glens win they’ll be forced to hoist the trophy at Coleraine’s show grounds the following week.
This is no easy feat as Coleraine sit in third place just five points behind Larne, and are still in with an outside chance at glory should results go their way.
It will be a showstopper finish regardless as one of the three teams will write their names into the history books on Saturday the 25th of April.
