Ballymena vs Crusaders Expected Goals (xG), Forecast & Details

Sport Picks

Northern Ireland

NIFL Premiership Ballymena Showgrounds

Scoring Trends

Ballymena

Crusaders

0.88

Goals Scored

0.88

1.5

Goals Conceded

2.75

1.81 Expected Goals (xG) 1.19

75%

Over 1.5

75%

50%

Over 2.5

63%

13%

Over 3.5

50%

Detailed Analysis

Explore Head-to-Head and Form below for more insights.

Expert Analysis by Omoye ThankGod

Ballymena hold a slight statistical advantage, though this match remains competitive. The game flow could swing back and forth as teams find their rhythm.

Their head-to-head record shows a history of competitive battles. With teams so evenly matched, the draw offers significant statistical value. The numbers provide a solid foundation for this match outlook.

Possible Outcome Probability

Match Winner

Home Win42%

Draw26%

Away Win32%

Goals & Scoring

Both Teams to Score55%

Over 1.5 Goals84%

Over 2.5 Goals55%

Match Events

33'

Forsythe J.

46'

Sub

McKechnie K. In: Dunlop E.

Out: McKechnie K.

46'

Sub

Barr L. In: Easton E.

Out: Barr L.

Previous Encounters

17 Feb 26 NIF

Ballymena ✓

2:0

Crusaders

22 Nov 25 NIF

Ballymena

2:2

Crusaders

20 Sept 25 NIF

Crusaders

1:1

Ballymena

15 Feb 25 NIF

Crusaders ✓

3:1

Ballymena

26 Oct 24 NIF

Crusaders ✓

1:0

Ballymena

Recent Form (Last 5)

Ballymena

Home Team

21 Mar

Cliftonville

2 : 2

Ballymena

14 Mar

Ballymena

2 : 1

Carrick Rangers

07 Mar

Ballymena

1 : 1

Portadown

28 Feb

Ballymena

0 : 2

Larne

24 Feb

Ballymena

2 : 2

Glenavon

Crusaders

Away Team

21 Mar

Portadown

0 : 0

Crusaders

14 Mar

Crusaders

0 : 3

Glenavon

10 Mar

Crusaders

0 : 1

Cliftonville

28 Feb

Glentoran

5 : 1

Crusaders

21 Feb

Cliftonville

5 : 2

Crusaders

League Standings

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Larne	33	22	7	4	60:22	73
2	Glentoran	33	21	6	6	63:30	69
3	Coleraine	33	20	5	8	62:31	65
4	Linfield	33	18	8	7	56:24	62
5	Cliftonville	33	13	8	12	49:48	47
6	Dungannon	33	15	1	17	40:58	46
7	Carrick Rangers	33	12	7	14	49:51	43
8	Bangor FC	33	10	6	17	38:57	36
9	Portadown	33	11	3	19	36:57	36
10	Ballymena	33	9	7	17	39:50	34
11	Crusaders	33	7	5	21	38:72	26
12	Glenavon	33	8	1	24	33:63	25

Match Preview: Ballymena vs Crusaders

Fans of NIFL Premiership turn their attention to the clash involving Ballymena and Crusaders. Scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 19:45 UTC, the match will take place at Ballymena Showgrounds. Both sides will be looking to make their mark in this scheduled event.

Team Context & Standings

Entering this game, both Ballymena and Crusaders are focused on their respective objectives for the season. Ballymena will look to leverage their competitive standing to gain an advantage, while Crusaders aims to improve their league position with a positive result on the road.

Head-to-Head & History

Previous meetings between these two sides often provide context for what to expect. While past results offer a glimpse into tactical matchups, this fresh encounter brings new dynamics. The teams have their own recent history to draw upon as they prepare tactically.

Tactical Overview

Tactically, this game could be decided in the midfield battles. Control of possession, defensive discipline, and clinical finishing in the final third are expected to be the deciding factors. Ballymena will try to assert dominance early, whereas Crusaders might look for opportunities on the break or through set-pieces.

Following the Match

The match atmosphere is expected to be electric, and tracking the game minute-by-minute adds to the excitement. From the first whistle to the final moments, fans can follow every goal, momentum shift, and key event as the drama unfolds on the pitch.

Key Statistics

Beyond the scoreline, the match statistics will tell the deeper story of the performance. Expect close scrutiny on metrics such as shots on target, possession percentages, and corner counts. These figures will illustrate which team effectively controlled the tempo and created the most dangerous chances.

Why This Matters

Three points here could be pivotal for the ambitions of either Ballymena or Crusaders. Momentum is crucial in NIFL Premiership, and a victory in this match would serve as a significant morale booster for the winning side moving forward in the campaign.