THE GAA BOOTROOM

ALL THE WEEKEND PREVIEWS

TODAY ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1:

Donegal v Tyrone Ballybofey, 7.00 Donegal put a six-year plus unbeaten record at Ballybofey on the table and it has never felt so vulnerable. They are likely to have Paddy McBrearty back, less likely to have Jason McGee. Tyrone should return Mattie Donnelly to a more conventional midfield role after a stint at full-forward.

Verdict: Tyrone Kerry v Dublin Austin Stack Park, 7.00 The revelation that Dublin opted for a training camp in Carton House in the build up to this game is a reminder of their intent as well as their resources. They were sensational against Mayo, while in contrast Kerry were less than convincing in seeing off Roscommon. Verdict: Dublin

ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 2

Down v Kildare Pairc Esler, 7.00 The absence of top scorer Neil Flynn after having his appendix removed and Ben McCormack (hamstring) makes this a real test for the Lilywhites. The home side are chasing a third win in a row, but that run should stop here.

Verdict: Kildare ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 4 Carlow v Waterford Netwatch Cullen Park, 7.30 Home advantage to give Carlow a match-winning edge.

Verdict: Carlow

TOMORROW ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1

Mayo v Cavan MacHale Park, 2.00 Any intrigue here is centred on how Mayo — still shy of the injured O Shea brothers, Aidan and Seamus — will respond to that painful trimming from Dublin last time out. Cavan, who welcome back Killian Clarke from suspension, are likely to make for obliging visitors. Verdict: Mayo Monaghan v Roscommon Inniskeen, 2.00 Thomas Featherston, Gary Patterson and Thomas Corcoran all come into the Roscommon team for a game the Connacht side simply have to win to have any chance of retaining their top flight status. Against a Monaghan team still in the hunt for a place in the final, they lack the cutting edge to get anything out of this.

Verdict: Monaghan

ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 2

Cork v Meath Pairc Ui Rinn, 2.00 Brian Hurley’s injury has cast a cloud over Cork football this week — as if there was not enough doom and gloom. Expect a response here — not least after a reported clearthe-air meeting in the aftermath of the loss to Clare.

Verdict: Cork Fermanagh v Clare Brewster Park, 2.00 The surprise here is that these teams have traded places, with Fermanagh expected to be contending for promotion, and Clare hot favourites to be relegated. It has turned out to be the opposite, but Fermanagh’s greater need might see both end up sandwiched mid-table.

Verdict: Fermanagh Galway v Derry Tuam Stadium, 2.00 The fear for Damian Barton is that by the time he gets his Slaughtneil players back it will be too late to save themselves. Galway will be primed after shock defeat to Meath.

Verdict: Galway

ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 3

Longford v Sligo Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 2.00 Pivotal game for both and a win here for Sligo will give them a real shot at promotion.

Verdict: Sligo Louth v Armagh Gaelic Grounds, 2.00 That 30-point win over Offaly might just signal the start of Armagh’s push for promotion.

Verdict: Armagh Offaly v Tipperary O’Connor Park, 2.00 After Offaly’s mauling by Armagh, expect a display of resilience. They will have nothing to show for it, though.

Verdict: Tipperary Antrim v Laois Corrigan Park, 2.00 When two bald men start to fight over a comb, they would be better advised to share it.

Verdict: Draw

ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 4

Wexford v London Innovate Wexford Park, 1.00 Verdict: Wexford Limerick v Leitrim Newcastlewest, 2.00 Verdict: Leitrim Westmeath v Wicklow TEG Cusack Park, 2.00 Verdict: Westmeath