Coleraine vs Larne — Match Preview
The NIFL Premiership serves up a potential title-decider this Tuesday night as league leaders Coleraine welcome champions Larne to The Showgrounds.
This rearranged fixture is arguably the biggest game of the season so far. Coleraine sit at the summit but are licking their wounds after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cliftonville on Saturday snapped their unbeaten run.
Breathing down their necks are Larne, who cut the gap at the top with a gritty 2-1 win over Glenavon. With just one point separating the sides (depending on goal difference swings), victory for either team would be a massive psychological blow in the title race. Can the Bannsiders defend their fortress, or will the Inver Reds prove their championship pedigree?
Coleraine vs Larne — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Coleraine vs Larne
- Competition: NIFL Premiership (Matchday 12 )
- Venue: The Showgrounds, Coleraine (Capacity: 4,900)
- Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
- Kickoff Time: 19:45 GMT / 20:45 CET / 01:15 IST (Wednesday)
- Referee: TBC
- TV Channel (UK): BBC iPlayer / BBC Sport NI Website
- TV Channel (India): OneFootball / NIFL YouTube (International Stream)
- Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, OneFootball
Coleraine vs Larne — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Coleraine:
- Position: 1st in NIFL Premiership.
- Form: Good but dented. Before the weekend’s 1-0 loss to Cliftonville, they were flying with wins over Armagh (7-1) and Glenavon (5-1).
- Current Challenge: Bouncing back immediately. They failed to score for the first time in weeks on Saturday, and manager Dean Shiels (or current boss) will demand a reaction against their direct rivals.
Larne:
- Position: 2nd in NIFL Premiership.
- Form: relentless. They have won 4 of their last 5 league games, including a 2-1 win vs Glenavon last Friday where Mark Randall netted a late winner.
- Current Challenge: Managing fatigue. Larne played Friday night while Coleraine played Saturday, giving the visitors an extra 24 hours of rest—a crucial advantage in a busy schedule.
Coleraine vs Larne — What’s at Stake
For Coleraine:
- Statement of Intent: Beating the champions would convince everyone that Coleraine are the real deal this season. A loss would see them leapfrogged and potentially dent their confidence.
For Larne:
- Top Spot: A win takes them to the top of the league. It sends a message that despite Coleraine’s strong start, the trophy still resides at Inver Park.
Coleraine vs Larne — Team Form
Coleraine (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Cliftonville (0-1)
- D vs Linfield (1-1)
- W vs Armagh City (7-1 – Cup)
- W vs Glenavon (5-1)
- D vs Linfield (2-2)
Larne (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Glenavon (2-1)
- W vs Portadown (3-0)
- W vs Bangor (2-1 – Cup)
- W vs Ballymena (2-0)
- D vs Bangor (1-1)
Coleraine vs Larne — Team News
Coleraine:
- Jamie McGonigle: Questionable (Back in training but likely a bench option).
- Ronan Doherty: Questionable (Lack of match fitness).
- Matthew Shevlin: Available (Top scorer, expected to lead the line).
- Joel Cooper: Available (Key creative threat).
- Lyndon Kane: Available (Likely to return to the starting XI after being benched vs Cliftonville).
Larne:
- Sean Carlin: Out (Hernia – Return Jan 2026).
- Kris Lowe: Out (Calf Injury – Out for 6 weeks).
- Luke McGerrigan: Out (Injury).
- Stephen Mallon: Out (Injury).
- Mark Randall: Available (In red-hot form after his goal vs Glenavon).
- Paul McGovern: Available (Returned from Int’l duty).
Coleraine vs Larne — Head to Head
- 10 Aug 2025: Coleraine 1–0 Larne
- 12 Apr 2025: Coleraine 1–2 Larne
- 15 Mar 2025: Larne 1–1 Coleraine
- 10 Nov 2024: Larne 2–1 Coleraine
- 01 Sep 2024: Coleraine 1–1 Larne
Coleraine vs Larne — Predicted Lineups
Coleraine (4-2-3-1):
Expect Lyndon Kane to return to right-back to add steel. Shevlin is the focal point.
- GK: Ryan Schofield (or Harris)
- RB: Lyndon Kane
- CB: Kodi Lyons-Foster
- CB: Dylan Boyle
- LB: Dean Jarvis (C)
- CDM: Will Patching
- CDM: Charles Dunne
- RW: Jamie Glackin
- CAM: Joel Cooper
- LW: Lewis McGregor
- ST: Matthew Shevlin
Larne (4-3-3):
Larne will stick with the winning formula. Randall pulls the strings in midfield.
- GK: Rohan Ferguson
- RB: Tomas Cosgrove (C)
- CB: Cian Bolger
- CB: Ryan Nolan
- LB: Sean Graham
- CDM: Chris Gallagher
- CM: Mark Randall
- CM: Joe Thomson
- RW: Conor McKendry
- ST: Andy Ryan
- LW: Matty Lusty
Coleraine vs Larne — Impact Bench Options
Coleraine:
- Rhyss Campbell: Offers blistering pace on the counter if Coleraine are leading.
- Jamie McGonigle: If he is fit enough for 20 minutes, he is a proven goalscorer at this level who can snatch a result.
Larne:
- Paul O’Neill: A physical striker who can hold the ball up and bully tired defenders.
- Benji Magee: Direct and tricky, perfect for exploiting spaces late in the game.
Coleraine vs Larne — Tactical Outlook
Coleraine:
- Playing Style: High Energy Press. At The Showgrounds, Coleraine try to suffocate opponents. They will rely on Joel Cooper drifting inside to create overloads against Larne’s midfield.
- Weakness: Defensive Focus. They conceded late vs Linfield and couldn’t break down Cliftonville. If Larne score first, Coleraine might struggle to chase the game without leaving gaps.
Larne:
- Playing Style: Possession & Patience. Larne are the best passing side in the league. They will try to control the tempo through Mark Randall and Chris Gallagher, waiting for Cosgrove to overlap on the right.
- Strength: Winning Mentality. Larne knows how to win ugly. Even when not playing well (like vs Glenavon), they find a way.
Coleraine vs Larne — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Dean Jarvis vs. Conor McKendry | Experience vs. Skill: Jarvis is a veteran leader, but McKendry’s dribbling is elite. Jarvis must stop him cutting inside. | Larne |
| Will Patching vs. Mark Randall | The Playmaker Duel: Both players are technically gifted. Whoever finds more space will dictate the flow of the match. | Even |
| Matthew Shevlin vs. Cian Bolger | Striker vs. Wall: Shevlin is the league’s danger man. Bolger is an aerial dominance machine. A classic physical battle. | Coleraine |
Coleraine vs Larne — Spotlight Players
Matthew Shevlin (Coleraine):
The league’s top scorer (or close to it) was kept quiet against Cliftonville. He lives for these big nights at The Showgrounds. His movement in the box is the key to unlocking Larne’s organized defense.
Mark Randall (Larne):
The former Arsenal man is rolling back the years. Fresh off a match-winning performance, his vision and set-piece delivery are Larne’s biggest weapons. If Coleraine give him time on the ball, he will hurt them.
Coleraine vs Larne — Fan Reactions
Coleraine Fans:
“Saturday was a blip. We need the Showgrounds rocking on Tuesday. Beat Larne and we believe.”
“Shevlin needs service. We were too slow against the Reds.”
Larne Fans:
“Top of the league, here we come! Randall is magic.”
“Coleraine away is never easy, but we have the momentum. 2-1 to the Inver men.”
Coleraine vs Larne — Match-Defining Factors
- Fatigue: Larne had an extra day of rest. In a high-intensity clash, Coleraine might fade in the last 15 minutes.
- The First Goal: In the last 5 H2H meetings, the team that scored first didn’t lose. It’s likely to be a tight, tactical affair where one goal decides it.
- Set Pieces: Both teams are dangerous from corners. In a tight game, a set-piece header (Bolger vs Lyons-Foster) could be the difference.
Coleraine vs Larne — Prediction
Score Prediction: Coleraine 1–1 Larne
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Draw.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Both teams have too much attacking quality to blank).
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 Goals (Tension will keep it tight).
Analysis: This is a clash of two titans who respect each other. Coleraine are strong at home, but Larne are the champions for a reason. Coleraine will be desperate not to lose two in a row, and Larne will be happy with a point away at the league leaders. A high-quality draw seems inevitable.
Coleraine vs Larne — Final Word
Tuesday night under the lights at The Showgrounds—it doesn’t get better than this in the Irish League. Coleraine have the chance to prove their title credentials, while Larne can reassert their dominance. Expect a fierce, tactical battle where neither side gives an inch. The winner takes the momentum, but a draw keeps the title race beautifully poised.
Coleraine vs Larne — FAQs
When is the Coleraine vs Larne match?
The match kicks off on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, at 19:45 GMT.18
Who is top of the league?
Coleraine are currently top, but Larne are just behind them in 2nd place.19
Is Mark Randall playing?
Yes, Larne’s midfielder is in great form and expected to start.
Where can I watch the match?
Fans can watch via the BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport NI website.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Can the Bannsiders hold onto top spot? Drop your predictions below!
If you enjoyed this preview, follow SportsphereArena.com for post-match ratings, tactical deep dives, and exclusive fan analysis.
Stay connected for real-time updates across football, tennis, and cricket.
Stay informed. Stay analytical. Stay in the game — with Sportsphere Arena.
RELATED ARTICLE
Luton Town vs Huddersfield Town: Preview
Watford vs Preston North End: Preview
Peterborough United vs Stevenage: Preview
Marseille vs Newcastle United: Preview
Ajax vs Benfica — Match Preview
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal — Match Preview
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen — Match Preview
External Link
About the Author
23 thoughts on “Coleraine vs Larne: Preview, Prediction, Lineups | NIFL Premiership 2025/26”