Ryan Mullan has been in good form for Dungannon

League leaders Dungannon Swifts will be without Ryan Mullan and Alain Emerson for the visit of champions Glentoran to Stangmore Park on Saturday.

Mullan is missing because of a family commitment while Emerson sustained a groin strain in training on Tuesday.

"I much prefer facing Glentoran when we are top of the league and that makes it a different sort of challenge for us," said Swifts manager Dixie Robinson.

"All my players are giving of their best and I could ask no more of them."

"Everyone has dug in and it's always a big day when one of the 'Big Two' come to town so we are looking forward to it," he added.

Meanwhile Glentoran have announced that striker Mattie Burrows has signed a two-year extension to his current deal with the Oval club.

The former Dundela forward has agreed a loan move to Championship outfit Loughgall until 31 December.

The Glens have every incentive to win on Saturday as a victory would see them leapfrog Dungannon in the league table on goal difference.

Third-placed Glenavon are without Gary Liggett, who begins a two-game ban, for Saturday's match at second-placed Crusaders.

On the plus side for manager Marty Quinn, Willo McDonagh is fit to return to action after having an operation on his broken nose.

Goalkeeper Tuda Murphy is doubtful with a slight hamstring injury so Andrew Plummer is added to the squad as cover.

"We are scoring plenty of goals but also conceding too many," said Quinn.

Niall Henderson and Paul Keenan are still missing for Newry, who will hope to continue their successful streak at Ballymena, having won twice in the league at the Showgrounds last season.

Cliftonville have no further injury worries as they hope to build on their win at Newry last weekend.

"That was a much needed result for us as it helped us to consolidate our position in mid-table," said boss Eddie Patterson, whose side travel to Lisburn Distillery on Saturday.

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