This year's BetMcLean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park is a hugely anticipated one as it brings together the traditional Belfast 'Big Two' rivals in a cup decider for the first time in 16 years.

This final has become more of a showpiece occasion in recent years and with a huge crowd set to converge on the south Belfast venue on Sunday, it promises to be a colourful and thrilling occasion.

As well as contesting the silverware, the two finalists have the added incentive of qualification for the Irish Premiership's European play-off final in May, that prize being on the line for the first time for whoever picks up the trophy.

With the countdown to the final well and truly on, BBC Sport NI tells you all you need to know before the 15:00 GMT kick-off on Sunday.

Image source, Inpho

BBC Sport NI is to broadcast this season's BetMcLean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

The big Belfast rivals are meeting in the final of a knockout cup competition for the first time in 16 years.

The match will be played on Sunday, 15 March, with coverage beginning at 14:35 and the match kicking off at 15:00.

Presenter Stephen Watson will be joined in studio by David Jeffrey, Paul Leeman and Jim Magilton, who will provide expert analysis, with Thomas Kane joined on commentary by Colin Coates.

Nicola McCarthy will gather reaction pitchside at what is a hugely anticipated decider expected to be played in front of a huge crowd at the National Stadium.

Last week the Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] confirmed the landmark decision that video assistant referees [VAR] technology would be used for the first time in the domestic professional game in Northern Ireland at the final.

Linfield will be targeting a 13th success in the competition, while the Glens aim to collect the silverware for the eighth time.

For the first time the winner of the competition will secure a place in the end-of-season European play-offs, leaving them just one game away from qualification for European competition.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Here is how the Irish Premiership table looks ahead of tonight's action.

Image source, BBC Sport/Inpho

Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of tonight's three midweek Irish Premiership matches.

At Clandeboye Park, Glentoran have the chance to close the gap to top of the table Larne to two points if they can beat Bangor, who are without a win in their last seven games.

It's the north Belfast derby at Seaview with eleventh placed Crusaders hosting rivals Cliftonville as the Reds look to continue their two-game league unbeaten run.

In tonight's third fixture, Linfield welcome Portadown to Windsor Park in the Blues final match before the Bet McLean Cup final against the Glens on Sunday.

As well as live text commentary, we will have in-play clips with a wrap-up report, highlights and reaction to follow.

Thanks for joining us. Enjoy the games!

Image source, Inpho