Linfield are the pinnacle but my Crusaders side want to beat them yet again, says Declan Caddell ahead of Seaview showdown

The two teams met in the County Antrim Shield on Tuesday night as the Hatchemen reached the semi-final of the competition via a 3-2 win at Seaview.

Both clubs are set to do it all again in Premiership action at the same venue as second-placed Linfield aim to maintain their pursuit at the top of the standings.

Crusaders were victorious in league duty last weekend as goals from Stewart Nixon and Jordan Stewart edged out Coleraine.

“It never bothers me playing a team back to back," Caddell said.

“The teams know each other well and we will be doing our homework on each other.

“I have had an opportunity to watch them, they have watched us and we both have injuries.

“I would imagine a few big hitters will come back into the fold on Saturday making it a completely different game than we experienced on Tuesday.”

Caddell had mixed fortunes when competing against the Blues during his playing career and acknowledged how their city rivals have always been "the pinnacle" of Irish League football.

“When I came through as a young player there was a different dynamic," he reflected.

“We had just come up the year before and were a bottom of the league team. Stephen (Baxter) was building and building every year.

“Linfield were the pinnacle, winning leagues every year and no one could get near them.

“There was a change when he pushed and amazing credit to Stephen in how he built the club.

“We were in the top three when Cliftonville came as a fore with (Liam) Boyce and (Joe) Gormley up top and Janty (Barry Johnston) and (Ryan) Catney in the middle. They had a great side, winning two on the bounce and then we took over for a few years.

“Linfield, with their fans, ground and history are the pinnacle and are always going to be there or thereabouts. You always want to test yourself against the best and now Larne have emerged.

“I always loved the big games as you were facing the best players in the league like (Jamie) Mulgrew, Gaulty (Michael Gault) and Paul McAreavey - Mulgrew is still playing!

“I do miss those games and the atmosphere against your big rivals.

“A few Cup final defeats were hard to take against Linfield but they were character building to make sure it doesn’t happen again and the Irish Cup has been good to us, hopefully that continues.”

With Ballymena United and Dungannon Swifts flying high at the top of the Premiership standings, Caddell believes the recruitment made by last season’s bottom six clubs means it is a more competitive league.

He stated: “It’s too early to tell, people make assumptions based on squad strength but every team can challenge if they have their best team on the pitch.

“Teams are taking points off each other, it’s better to assess the league after Christmas.

“The majority of teams in the bottom half have strengthened by bringing in high quality players.

“You can’t predict this league and it’s the most competitive I have seen. Long may it continue until the end of the season.”