Blues in must win game

For Linfield the pressure is mounting after a now familiar slow start to the campaign and they will be desperate to chalk up their first victory.

"You always want to get an early win and we are delighted it came last week," said Wright. "We have every respect for the Blues because David Jeffrey has a fantastic squad. We cannot go there and expect to defend for 90 minutes but when we have to defend we will have to do it well.

"We have shown in both our games that we can create chances and the big pitch is no problem at all and suits our style of play. It has also been well documented that Linfield have been hit with some harsh decisions so we also need a strong referee on Saturday."

Wright is delighted with the form of winger Mark Patton and striker Gary Browne and expects them to pose plenty of problems for the Blues. "Mark has been our best player in both games and Gary has the ability to score plenty of goals this season. With the Glens, Crues and Blues our first three games I would have taken three draws so we have those three points already on the board."

Jeffrey knows just how important this game is. "There is pressure - but that is nothing new to Linfield. The way to deal with it is to go out and win the match. We are not playing badly, but with just one point out of six the bottom line is we need to win on Saturday," said Jeffrey.

"The Whites are formidable opposition and they will be lifted by that win over Crusaders. It will be tough, very tough indeed."