In the two previous encounters at Taylor's Avenue each side has recorded a win, so this local derby is sure to be keenly contested at Dixon Park.
Going in to this match Jamesy Kirk's lads are five points better off and with two games fewer completed than the visitors, so home fans will be hoping for a win to keep their title hopes alive.
Following the previous week's performance at Wilgar Park where they earned a crucial point at the expense of title chasing Dundela, the Reds continued their good form at Knockrammer Park last weekend. A Gary Bell double saw off Lurgan Celtic, so manager Kirk goes in to the Carrick game with confidence.
Comrades have the meanest defence in the First Division having conceded only seven goals in fourteen outings, but Rangers have the edge in attack, having netted twenty-four compared to Ballyclare's seventeen.
There are unlikely to be any home team changes, with Adam Dick and Darren McKay leading the attack, while Paul Caldwell and Evan Forsythe continue at the heart of the defence. Skipper Stuart McClean who came off fifteen minutes from time in Lurgan with a niggling back injury, is however expected to declare himself fit for battle.
Commenting Kirk said: "We have been playing fluently lately, but we need to secure three points against Carrick in order to keep the pressure on leaders Loughgall. They have a relatively easy fixture against Portstewart, so we must ensure that we do not lose ground, going in to the final third of the season."
Ricky Higgins who switched his allegiance to Carrick after the Steel & Sons Cup final, is likely to be lining out against his former team-mates in this First Division match that has a three o'clock kick-off.