Linfield boss David Healy said his side’s game against Coleraine on Tuesday night will be a “stern test”.
The game at the Showgrounds was rearranged from August due to the Blues’ European commitments and will be the first time the two sides vying for the Gibson Cup will meet this season.
Healy’s side currently trail the table-topping Bannsiders by nine points, but they have three games in hand and got back to winning ways in the league against Ballymena United on Saturday.
And the Blues boss is prepared for a tough assessment on the north coast, where his team were beaten 1-0 by Coleraine on their last visit in April.
“I have huge respect for Ruaidhri, I think he has done a brilliant job there,” Healy told BBC Sport NI.
“They have recruited very well, they have a top squad of players, so we look forward to the challenge.
“In years gone by anytime you went to Coleraine you were always in for a stern test and I’m sure that won’t change on Tuesday night.”
