The Institute faced a crisis of confidence ahead of the duel against Ballymena Utd. The occupants of the runner up position are scheduled to arrive at Brandywell Stadium and play match day 26 of the Premier League.

The host was in a pinched condition after receiving 3 consecutive defeats from Gelntoran, Warrepoint Town, and Crusaders. This disaster threw them 9th in a total of 12 participants. The Institute even threatened to drop 1 rank again because it was only 1 point adrift of Glentoran below.

Good news for Ballymena who began to be consistent on the winning path by frustrating Glenavon and Ards through the position 0-2 and 4-1. The results at Glenavon headquarters were a quick response to the defeat of Crusaders when they arrived there on the first test of the year. It is hoped that the momentum will be managed to be kept away from the threat of Crusaders at number 3 while cutting the distance from Linfield at the top of the standings.

The Institute finally returned to the Premier League this season after a 3-year absence. However, they received a bad result when they entertained Ballymena mid-October with a 1-2 defeat. Will the bad results be repeated?

Prediction Today: Over

Odds: 2.5