PORTADOWN, Northern Ireland (Interstat) — A festive fixture with local bragging rights on the line headlines the Northern Irish Premiership on Friday as Portadown hosts rival Glenavon at Shamrock Park.

The Boxing Day clash (2:45 p.m. local) is the second meeting this season between the Mid-Ulster clubs. Portadown won the previous encounter 3-1 at home on Oct. 4.

Portadown (6-6-2) enters on mixed form, following a 4-2 defeat at Dungannon Swifts on Dec. 20. That result snapped a two-game winning streak that included a 4-0 road victory over Crusaders and a 1-0 home win against Ballymena United. Their season has been marked by volatility, with impressive wins against top sides like Linfield offset by losses to teams in the lower half of the table.

Glenavon (5-7-2) arrives with momentum from a 2-1 home victory over league-leaders Linfield on Dec. 20. That result halted a two-game skid where they conceded eight goals in losses to Cliftonville (5-2) and Bangor (2-1). Glenavon’s defense has been a persistent concern, having allowed three or more goals in five of their last ten outings.

The statistical service Interstat projects a 2-1 victory for the home side, Portadown.

Historically, this derby is one of Northern Ireland’s most passionate. The proximity of the clubs ensures a charged atmosphere at Shamrock Park, with both sets of supporters expecting a committed performance.

For Portadown, consistency is key as they seek to re-enter the top six. For Glenavon, building on the confidence from the Linfield win is crucial, but they must shore up a leaky backline to secure a positive result.

The match is the first of a quick double-header in this rivalry, with the return league fixture scheduled for Feb. 28 at Mourneview Park.

Other Friday Premiership fixtures include Larne FC at Coleraine and Crusaders at Linfield.