As the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season prepares to kick off, BBC Sport NI examines the main talking points, chief among them whether reigning champions Larne can make it four titles in five years. The Inver Reds won last season's Gibson Cup on the final day and now face the loss of star striker Andy Ryan, while runners-up Coleraine have strengthened significantly and look their sharpest challengers yet.

Coleraine, chasing only their second-ever league title, have added Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin and Derry City's Ben Doherty, though they face a lengthy injury list including captain Mark Coyle, who is out with an ACL injury. Larne remain in Europa League third qualifying round action, whereas Coleraine exited Europa Conference League qualifying after an 8-0 aggregate loss to HJK Helsinki. Belfast's "Big Two", Linfield and Glentoran, have had quieter transfer windows, combining for just seven signings, with both sides still seeking silverware after trophyless campaigns last season. The new season begins with a north Belfast derby between Cliftonville and Crusaders, 104 days after Larne's title triumph.