Larne vs Coleraine Prediction 3 July 2026
🏆 The 2026/27 season in Northern Ireland kicks off with the country’s Super Cup, better known locally as the Charity Shield Trophy. Ahead of the clash between Larne and Coleraine, there’s a clear contrast in both sides’ attacking and defensive capabilities. Last season, the reigning champions, who also host this match for the trophy at Inver Park, proved consistently prolific up front while keeping things tight at the back. In contrast, the Cup holders’ defensive frailties remain a concern. Let’s take a closer look at how both squads are shaping up ahead of this showdown in Larne.
Head-to-Head
📊 The rivalry between two of Northern Ireland’s top clubs spans three decades and over thirty matches. Last season, Larne and Coleraine faced off five times, each side claimed a league win, while Larne, who would go on to lift the cup, came out on top in their cup encounters. The previous campaign saw an average of 1.4 goals scored per match between these sides.
Head-to-head statistics Larne - Coleraine
Larne Team Overview
Last season, Larne kept the title race alive until the very end, but even a few late stumbles couldn’t cast any doubt on their dominance. Gary Haveron has been part of the Larne setup for seven years, working his way up from academy coach to first-team manager, a side that have finished top in three of the past four seasons. Over the summer, the club’s top scorer Andy Ryan departed, but second-leading scorer Paul O’Neill remains and is expected to spearhead Larne’s attack in the new campaign.
Larne’s attacking output last season was impressive: they averaged 1.92 goals per match, while conceding just 0.68, the best defensive record in Northern Ireland. During the off-season, Larne prepared not only for the Super Cup but also for their Champions League qualifying campaign, which kicks off just four days after the trophy showdown. In friendlies, Larne conceded only once, beating H&W Welders 2-1, edging out Welsh side Connah’s Quay 1-0, and playing out a goalless draw with Scottish outfit Stranraer.
Match Results: Larne
Coleraine Team Overview
Coleraine came agonisingly close to clinching their first-ever league title, only to see their hopes dashed by Larne’s victory on the final matchday. Finishing second secured them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, but Coleraine didn’t stop there, by the end of the season, they had upgraded their European status. Their dramatic 3-2 win over Dungannon in the Irish Cup final earned them a place in the Europa League qualifiers. Notably, Coleraine had knocked out Larne in the semi-finals of the national cup, prevailing 2-1 after extra time.
Rory Higgins has been at the helm since May last year, and under his guidance, several players have flourished. Standouts include last season’s top scorer Joel Cooper - who is unlikely to feature in the upcoming fixture - and Matthew Shevlin. The strike duo accounted for half of Coleraine’s goals last season, netting 41 between them. The club posted an average of 2.18 goals per game in the 2025/26 campaign, the league’s best attacking record, while conceding just 0.97 per match.
Match Results: Coleraine
⭐ Editor's Pick
The trends from last season and the head-to-head stats suggest that neither side will be content to sit back. Both teams are gearing up for European competitions, which certainly affects their mindset, but the rivalry remains as fierce as ever. While both attacks have proven reliable, the visitors' defense conceded an average of one goal per match. The best bet for this game is both teams to score (yes). Super Cup matches, no matter the country, are always a chance to kick off the season in style. We expect Northern Ireland to be no exception.No comments
Betting Tips: Larne - Coleraine
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