While most teams have struggled for consistency this term, David Healy’s Blues have been the clear outlier – they’ve put together a current unbeaten run of 11 matches, collected the most points both home and away, scored most goals (53) and registered a league-high 13 clean sheets.
The South Belfast outfit have lost only four of 28 league games to date and are on course to win a first Premiership crown since 2022.
Using SoccerStats’ projected points algorithm, which takes into account the current points per game (PPG) achieved by each team, that achieved by the opposition they’ve still to face and the amount of matches remaining prior to the split, we can see where they expect each side to be sitting going into the split.
Here is the full league table according to their projected points for each team, which gives an interesting perspective on how things could unfold at both ends of the Premiership.
9. Ballymena United - Projected pre-split points: 43
A single point splits Coleraine and their rivals Ballymena United, who came within seconds of beating leaders Linfield on Friday night. Sat top of the table in October, Jim Ervin's side are still battling for the top-half and will be hoping to maximise over eight matches prior to the split, which starts with a trip to Crusaders on Saturday. These matches which pits top-six rivals against each other will be key to the overall outcome of the league table. Photo: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press
10. Glenavon - Projected pre-split points: 40
It's testament to the work done by Paddy McLaughlin that not only are Glenavon currently clear of relegation threat, but they're an outside shout for a top-half finish - something which was just a dream a matter of months ago. McLaughlin has won five of his eight Premiership matches to date, including four on the trot, but they do face a tricky pre-split schedule with trips to Linfield, Glentoran and Larne coming up, while they also welcome Cliftonville and Larne to Mourneview Park. Photo: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press
11. Carrick Rangers - Projected pre-split points: 28
As it stands, Carrick Rangers could be set for a play-off to preserve their Premiership status. SoccerStats predicts they'll enter the split trailing Glenavon by 12 points, but they have the quality in their squad to turn fortunes around and an experienced manager at the helm. Carrick haven't won any of their last eight league games and will want to improve in front of goal having netted the Premiership's lowest tally of 22 in 26 matches. Photo: Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press
12. Loughgall - Projected pre-split points: 16
While Linfield could have sealed their champions status, Loughgall's relegation fate may be all but confirmed heading into the split too if SoccerStats prove correct. Not only are they in a precarious position, they also face one of the hardest schedules according to PPG collected by their upcoming opponents, facing a trip to Linfield on Saturday and still have to face Larne twice. There will be opportunities for points - a trip to Carrick Rangers later this month is crucial - and Dean Smith's side will be hoping for an Irish League great escape. Photo: Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press