FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
TODAY ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1 Monaghan v Cavan, Clones, 2.0 Whoever loses is effectively relegated, which could bring an end to Monaghan’s five-year reign in the top flight. The more likely outcome is that Cavan – who are on a four game winless streak in this fixture – are primed for the drop. Verdict: Monaghan
Galway v Roscommon, Pearse Stadium, 3.30
This promises to be a fairly grim encounter but even though Roscommon have more to play for in terms of getting the points they need to survive, Galway are better equipped at grinding out these results. Verdict: Galway
Dublin v Tyrone, Croke Park, 7.0
Mickey Harte’s solitary win over Jim Gavin came exactly six years to the day, and while this fixture qualifies as an All-Ireland final rematch, no one will be fooled by that. Dublin to win any way they choose. Verdict: Dublin Kerry v Mayo, Austin Stack Park, 7.0 A sell-out crowd for a fixture which usually generates heat, but Mayo’s race is run in the League and James Horan may take advantage of that by blooding what talent he can. Kerry will take advantage of that to qualify for the final. Verdict: Kerry ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 2 Clare v Meath, Cusack Park, 1.30 Meath have hammered Clare by an aggregate of 26 points in their last two meetings which suggests that they have more than enough to get within touching distance of Division 1. Verdict: Meath Cork v Donegal, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2.0 Two teams desperate for a result, but for very different reasons, sets up a fascinating clash. Donegal’s superiority will bleed a lot of the intrigue. Verdict: Donegal Kildare v Tipperary, Newbridge, 2.30 Kildare’s lack of consistency is a source of concern but they should have more than enough here for a Tipperary team whose second tier status is in the balance. Verdict: Kildare Armagh v Fermanagh, Crossmaglen, 3.0 The decision to move this fixture out of the Atheltic Grounds will most likely add to Fermanagh’s difficulty, while the hosts are keen to avenge last year’s Ulster Championship defeat. A win here could see Fermanagh promoted which might just give them all the motivation they need. Verdict: Fermanagh
ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 3 Longford v Sligo, Pearse Park, 2.0
Longford to get the result they need to secure their place in the division for another season. Verdict: Longford
Louth v Westmeath, Drogheda, 2.0
The game of the day in this division. The force now appears to be with the visitors for what could be a season defining win.
Verdict: Westmeath
Offaly v Laois, O’Connor Park, 2.0
Laois need to win this to keep alive their slender hopes of promotion.
Verdict: Laois
Carlow v Down, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3.0
This would almost certainly have proved to be a banana skin for Down 12 months ago, but under Paddy Tally they have the smarts to find a way. Verdict: Down
ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 4
London v Waterford, McGovern Park, 12.30 The exiles to record their second win of the spring. Verdict: London Antrim v Wicklow, Corrigan Park, 2.0 It has been an awful spring for the hosts, but not this awful. Verdict: Antrim Wexford v Limerick, Innovate Wexford Park, 3.0 Limerick have shown modest signs of improvement. That’s enough against Wexford these days.
Verdict: Limerick Derry v Leitrim, Celtic Park, 4.0 It will be hard to view this fixture through the fog of smoke as both keep their cards close to their chest before their end of the month clash in Croke Park. Verdict: Derry
TOMORROW ALL-IRELAND CLUB SFC FINAL Corofin (Galway) v Dr Crokes (Kerry), Croke Park, 3.45
A fascinating club decider pitches the last two champions against each other. Corofin are deserving favourites and are well placed, not least through Ian Burke, to take advantage of a vulnerable Croke’s full-back line. However, the Kerry champions are arguably a better team than they were two years ago — even though Colm Cooper is only a sub these days — and they might just edge what should be a compelling game of ball. Verdict: Dr Crokes