Irish Cup Semi-Finals 29 th March

[Finn McCool]

Cliftonville v Linfield (Sat)

Eddie Patterson has seen his side's league hopes nosedive Cliftonville boss Eddie Patterson hopes Barry Holland overcomes a slight groin niggle in time to face Linfield in Saturday's JJB Irish Cup semi-final. Otherwise, Patterson has a full squad to choose from and is set to make some changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Newry City in a league game on Tuesday. Holders Linfield will be without Tim Mouncey and Tim McCann through injury. The Blues are hoping to move a step closer to claiming their 39th Irish Cup success by winning at the Oval. "This is a big game for us, particularly after losing the last couple of games, which was a bit of a setback," said Reds boss Eddie Patterson. "The lads are very keen to make up for those two bad results against Coleraine and Newry," added the Reds boss. Cliftonville reached the last four by overcoming Portadown 4-3 in a thrilling tie, while the Blues saw off Newry after a replay. The kick-off time at the East Belfast venue is 1230 GMT.

[Cinny]

Coleraine v Donegal Celtic (Sat)

Rory Hamill and Tony Heagney celebrate DC's quarter-final win
Donegal Celtic hope to secure a place in the JJB Sports Irish Cup final for the first time when they take on Coleraine in Saturday's semi-final.

Striker Colm Kearney is cup-tied but DC have been boosted by the news that captain Stephen McAlorum has agreed a new three-year contract with the club.

Paddy McLaughlin has declared himself fit for Coleraine after coming through a rigorous training session.

Defender Stewart Clanachan faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.

The Bannsiders have won the cup five times, their last success in 2003, and last played in a decider in 2004.

A place in next season's Setanta Cup should also await the winners of the tie.

"We are very determined to reach the final but the tie is pretty evenly balanced," said Bannsiders boss Marty Quinn.

"We had a good win at Cliftonville last Saturday and showed decent form against Linfield in midweek.

"There is a lot at stake but hopefully our experience will bring us through."

DC manager Paddy Kelly said the match at Ballymena Showgrounds was "one we are looking forward to".

Celtic will have former Coleraine cup-winning player Rory Hamill in their ranks for the last four encounter.

Hamill scored for Dungannon in last year's Irish Cup final and netted both goals in DC's 2-1 win over Glentoran at the quarter-final stage last month.

[Cinny]

9/4 Cliftonville 2/1 Linfield 11/10 (12.30)

6/4 Coleraine 9/4 Donegal Celtic 7/4 (3.00)

odds hughesbet.com

2 games in which my opinion could go either way. wont be having a bet on either game. However if Cliftonville play like they have done the past 2 games they could be easy pickings for linfield however their whole season points to coming down to this game so i think theyll lift themselves.

The other game sees two sides coming into good form as of late. A real tricky encounter, Coleraine could have the experience in the end which could prove vital but i wouldnt be surprised if both teams had to do it all again.

[Finn McCool]

Thank's Cinny the site froze on me last night in the middle of posting

I personally can see a Linfield V Coleraine final the blue's have the experience and players to oust C'Ville who have faltered at the crutial point of the season.Coleraine have a good record in Semi-finals at the Ballymena showgrounds [provided no locals are in attendance with legs of lamb ]
Coleraine's defence so insecure against Linfield on tue have the leagues hottest transfare property 18 yr old Howard Beverland back from trial at West Brom this week . Also returning central defender Pat McLaughlin following a groin injury.