The Danske Bank Women’s Premiership post-split fixtures commence on Wednesday night as we enter the home straight of the 2022 campaign.

This is the first of three full rounds of fixtures as the league splits into a top four and bottom four sides (with Cliftonville Ladies still to play Sion Swifts Ladies in a rearranged league game).

Cliftonville Ladies and Glentoran Women – both gunning for the title – play Linfield Ladies and Crusaders Strikers respectively, while Sion Swifts Ladies host Derry City Women and Mid Ulster Ladies travel to Lisburn Ladies.

Cliftonville Ladies vs Linfield Ladies, Solitude, 7.45pm
This is the first game for Cliftonville Ladies since their 3-1 loss at Glentoran Women last month – the only time they have dropped points this campaign.

The Reds are just one point clear of the Glens at the top, but do have a game in hand, and could lose their lead tonight if they slip up at home to an in-form Blues, who have won each of their last three league games.

Cliftonville have won the two league games between the two thus far this season by an aggregate scoreline of 7-1, including August’s four-goal win in North Belfast – which saw Caitlin McGuinness bag a hat-trick.

Glentoran Women vs Crusaders Strikers, Ashfield Boys HS, 7.45pm
Crusaders Strikers have won eight of their last 10 league matches – a run which has included a scoreless draw against Glentoran Women, who realistically must win to keep their title hopes alive.

That was the one game that the Glens have dropped any points in their last seven league games, while they hit double figures in recent wins over Derry City Women and Mid Ulster Ladies.

This is a huge test of the Glens title credentials while a win for the visitors would take them to within three points of the East Belfast side.

Sion Swifts Ladies vs Derry City Women, Melvin Sports Complex, 7.45pm
Sion Swifts Ladies have an aggregate scoreline of 14-0 against Derry City Women this season across the league and League Cup, including last month’s eight-goal victory at Melvin.

That game saw Cora Chambers bag a hat-trick and with the Candystripes yet to pick up a victory this campaign, they will be big underdogs for this derby match.

Lisburn Ladies vs Mid Ulster Ladies, Bluebell Stadium, 8pm
Lisburn Ladies have won each of their three games against Mid Ulster Ladies across the league and League Cup, including August’s two-goal win in Lisburn – when Stacey Murdough and Abbie Burnett were on target.

The hosts have eight points in comparison to Mid Ulster’s four, and will be keen to bounce back following three successive league defeats.