With 13 points between 2nd and 10th, how much could the complexion of the league shift between now and the end of this campaign?

With the split looming next month, we chat to two teams in the bottom half who are hoping to at the very least force themselves into a European play-off position and ideally a top half finish.

Joining us on this week's episode are Stephen O'Donnell of Ballymena United and Jack Malone from Glenavon.

Michael is joined by former Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King who discusses his time out of management, whether he would favour a return sometime soon and how he assesses the title race - can anyone stop Linfield at this stage? The Blues face back-to-back champions Larne on Tuesday night.

We get to know Cliftonville defender Jack Keaney who was one of their January arrivals and a man well known to the club's assistant manager Gerard Lyttle.

Plus we get an insight into the aspirations of H&W Welders from one of their star players Daniel Kearns. He offers his thoughts on a highly competitive Championship and takes a trip down memory lane as we reflect on Irish League titles and time spent in England earlier in his career.

They are the two lowest-ranked teams remaining in the Irish Cup, both only one win away from reaching the quarter-final stage but can either of them capitalise on home advantage to reach the next round?

Joining us on this week's episode are Dollingstown boss Stephen Uprichard and Moyola Park player/coach Dwayne Nelson who are hosting Loughgall and Ards respectively on Saturday.

We speak to journalist, broadcaster and author Barry Flynn about the Big Two derby on Friday, where cup upsets might come from this weekend and his new book which is available for pre-order now.

Crusaders star Philip Lowry reacts to their win last weekend over Coleraine and looks ahead to a busy week with Portadown and Linfield in the league and an Irish Cup clash against his brother Stephen when Limavady United come to Seaview next week.

Carrick Rangers first team coach and player Mark Surgenor discusses entering his 10th year at the club, gaining coaching experience and explains why he is not panicking despite his teammates failing to find the net in their last 5 league games.

Plus we catch up with Portadown manager Niall Currie whose sides have performed above expectations this season. Can they keep it up? Will there be a couple of new faces added before the transfer window closes? We put those questions and more to him and find out what it's like to break the news to players that they are no longer a part of your plans.

Our 4 guests this week all have their sights on big targets. For Dungannon Swifts, they've started 2025 in the dizzy heights of 2nd in the Premiership. Where can they go from here? We speak to midfielder James Knowles about the fantastic season that the Stangmore side have had so far.

For Coleraine, it's not been smooth sailing and yet with all the changes at the club they are only 9 points behind the Swifts in the league. With investment leading to some big signings, how does captain Lyndon Kane assess where the club is at currently?

Plus we look ahead to the Co. Antrim Shield final with the help of Glentoran gaffer Declan Devine and Larne boss Gary Haveron. Will the Invermen make it 5-in-a-row or are the Glens about to land their first piece of silverware of this campaign?

After a festive break, we are back and joined by 3 guests to reflect on some interesting developments in the Irish League.

Glenavon have climbed out of the bottom two and are hoping to continue their ascent towards a European play-off spot. We speak to in-form player Matthew Snoddy about how they have managed to improve results in recent weeks.

Glentoran have a very busy January ahead, with a League Cup semi-final, Co. Antrim Shield final and Irish Cup 6th round clash with Linfield all on the way. Defender Kodi Foster-Lyons chats to us about a crucial month for the club.

Plus Limavady United skipper Stephen Lowry reflects on claiming a big scalp last weekend as the Roesiders dumped Larne out of the Irish Cup. Their attention now turns to a trip to Championship leaders Bangor on Friday night.

Mark McIntosh joins Michael to review the Premiership season so far for all 12 clubs and offer up his Boxing Day predictions.

Plus we preview the Steel and Sons Cup final with the help of two brothers who will be on opposing sides and their managers as Willowbank and Derriaghy prepare to meet on Christmas morning.

IFA Head of Refereeing Mike Riley and barrier-breaking match official Louise Thompson join Michael to discuss all things refereeing, from future use of technology to assist refs in the Irish League to how you can become one.

Plus we hear stories from their respective careers and put them on the spot with the questions you've been sending us!

Goalkeeper Dan Gyollai discusses his impressive start to life at Glentoran, recent bragging rights over the Blues, ambitions at the Oval, moving to Stoke City from Hungary as a teenager and an unlikely footballing idol growing up.

Harry Jewitt-White reflects on his season so far at Crusaders, the international footballer who helped convince him to sign for the club, his thoughts on the Irish Premiership and education received at Portsmouth.

We assess Limavady United's good start to their Championship campaign with strike Joe McCready. Having won the PIL in the previous season, just how big is the step up and how much higher can the Roesiders go?

Plus we launch a competition in association with BoyleSports.