SFC QUALIFIERS
TODAY CAVAN v TYRONE Brewster Park, 5pm. TV: LIVE on Sky Sports
The redevelopment of Breffni Park has cost Cavan home advantage for the second game in succession, but Kildare did them a favour by at least taking them out of Croke Park, which would have played to Tyrone’s advantage. Having Dara McVeety and Conor Moynagh – originally set to miss out after red cards from a melee at the end of their win over Down – is a boost but not enough. It has been a slow-burning summer for Tyrone, but they have momentum now and with the Super 8’s within reach they will not be stopped here.
CLIFFORD’S VERDICT: Tyrone
TODAY KILDARE v MAYO St Conleth’s Park, 7pm. TV: LIVE on Sky Sports
What fascinates here is whether the saga of this week will drain, inspire or simply heap too much pressure on Kildare shoulders to allow them perform in Newbridge. They have a shot, especially after winning two difficult games on the road, and possess the midfield to cause an injury-stricken Mayo team all kinds of issues. Seamus O’Shea’s loss may not be on the same scale as Tom Parsons, but it has left Mayo with a deficit of primary ball winners which could invite opponents to push up on them and put them in uncomfortable situations. If Kildare go down that route a great week can get even better.
CLIFFORD’S VERDICT: Kildare