Cliftonville v Linfield (Mon)

Linfield and Cliftonville meet at Solitude on Monday night

Linfield manager David Jeffrey is hoping "hard work in training" in recent days will be rewarded in Monday's clash at Solitude.

The Blues go into the JJB Sports Premiership clash (1945 GMT) after four straight defeats - the club's worst run under Jeffrey since 1997.

"I have total confidence in the players that they are going to get us out of this situation," said Jeffrey.

"However, we have got to start scoring goals again."

Jeffrey is hoping that the presence of the live television cameras at the re-opened Solitude will help spur his players to recapture their best form.

"Solitude is always a difficult place to go to and they are back playing well after their rocky patch but these are the type of occasions that players should look forward to."

The Blues boss has been hit by a tale of walking wounded going into Monday's televised match at the redeveloped North Belfast venue.

"Noel Bailie pulled up at the end of training on Saturday with a groin injury and Michael Gault's ankle injury is not fully right yet.

There is no place like home and we are looking forward to getting out there on Monday night Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson

"Aidan O'Kane has only done a little bit of training because of 'flu while Jamie Mulgrew, Conor Hagan, Jim Ervin and Oran Kearney are also not ready yet."

Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson is convinced Linfield will recover and mount a serious defence of their Premiership crown.

David Jeffrey's Blues have lost their last two league games but are still only six points behind leaders Glentoran with two games in hand.

"Linfield have gone through a tough time but they will be up for the challenge," said Patterson.

Monday's meeting between the sides is the first match at Solitude this term.

The north Belfast Reds have had to play home games at Donegal Celtic's Suffolk Road base since August as a new stand was being constructed at their own ground.

"The players missed the place and I am sure the fans did as well," added Patterson.

"Our fans traditionally play such an important role for us. There is no place like home and we are looking forward to getting out there on Monday night."