BELFAST, Northern Ireland (Interstat) — Crusaders will host Portadown in a NIFL Premiership match on Saturday, looking to avenge a recent defeat to their rivals.

The visitors enter with momentum from the head-to-head series, having beaten Crusaders 2-1 on Aug. 29 in the most recent meeting. However, both sides are seeking consistency after mixed results.

Crusaders, the home side, have lost two straight, including a 2-0 defeat to Coleraine on Nov. 29. Their form has been uneven, with just one win in their last five league matches (1-2-2).

Portadown snapped a two-game skid with a dramatic 3-2 win over Cliftonville last Saturday. Their season has been marked by volatility, featuring wins over top sides like Linfield but also heavy losses, including a 4-1 defeat to Bangor in September.

A statistical projection from Interstat simulates a 2-1 victory for Crusaders in Saturday’s fixture.

The match will be the first of a quick two-game week for Crusaders, who host Cliftonville the following Tuesday. Portadown’s next fixture is at home to Ballymena United on Dec. 13.