Today’s PREVIEWS
Allianz Football League (3pm unless stated) Compiled by Mark Gallagher
Division 1 Cavan v Kerry Kingspan Breffini Park, 2pm Ref: M Deegan (Laois)
A match that will always evoke a glorious part of the GAA past, but the Polo Grounds final was 60 years ago and the passing time wasn’t kind to Cavan. They did show a grim determination to remain with the big boys last week. Kerry, though, will want to erase the mistake that cost them a win over Dublin last weekend. Verdict: Kerry
Donegal v Monaghan Ballyshannon Ref: D Gough (Meath)
There’s a possible league final in the offing for the winners here, a sign of how these two teams have confounded pundits this spring. Donegal have utilised the pace of their young players well. With safety guaranteed, both sides may throw off the shackles. Then again, don’t count on it. Verdict: Donegal
Tyrone v Mayo Healy Park, Omagh(Live TG 4) Ref: C Lane (Cork)
Two teams desperately in need of a win. With almost half their side based in Dublin during college term, Mayo aren’t going to be a cohesive unit in the spring, but the shock loss to Cavan did set off a few alarm bells. Tyrone’s display against Donegal told us nothing we didn’t know already. Six points illustrates their lack of at least a couple of clinical inside-forwards. They get a tentative nod here. Verdict: Tyrone
Division 2 Derry v Cork Celtic Park, 1pm Ref: Marty Duffy(Sligo)
Division 2 is not the place to be if you want order in your world. Teams are hammered one week, they take a breather and then dish out a beating next time out. It is not a division to build confidence, as Peader Healy’s Cork need to do. The Rebels must win here to ease relegation fears. Not sure they will get it. Verdict: Derry
Down v Galway Pairc Esler Ref: P Neilian (Roscommon)
Galway’s 5-15 against Derry is an illustration of the attacking riches at Kevin Walsh’s disposal. Michael Daly, son of Val, is another gifted attacker they seem to produce at will in the west. The 2-15 they conceded shows where their problems lie. Down may not be able to take advantage of the defensive frailties. Verdict: Galway
Kildare v Clare Newbridge, 3.15pm Ref: P Hughes (Armagh)
It takes just one bad result in this division and all of a sudden you are looking in the wrong direction. Clare are checking over the shoulders after their defeat to Fermanagh and, while Colm Collins is playing with a full hand here, Kildare will want to ensure they are promoted before travelling to Salthill next week. Verdict: Kildare
Meath v Fermanagh Paírc Tailteann, Ref: D O’Mahoney (Tipperary)
Another head-scratcher of a league campaign for Meath. They certainly showed character and resolve to hit 1-6 and eke out a draw down in Cork, but their first-half display threw up the same old problems. They are expected to keep the heat on the pacesetters here. Verdict: Meath
Division 3 Sligo v Offaly Markievicz Park Ref: J Molloy (Galway)
Sligo slipped up against Longford and their promotion hopes look slim now. Home advantage should see them plunge Offaly deeper into despair. Verdict: Sligo
Tipperary v Louth Semple Stadium Ref: P O’Sullivan (Kerry)
Tipp are without influential midfielder George Hannigan, who is suspended, but Liam Kearns’ side seem to be back on track with Conor Sweeney in flying form. Verdict: Tipperary
Division 4 Leitrim v London Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, 1pm Ref: J Gilmartin (Sligo)
London were always up against it, playing all seven games away with Ruislip out of bounds as redevelopment continues. Verdict: Leitrim
Wexford v Westmeath Innovate Wexford Park, 1pm Ref: B Cawley (Kildare)
This is going to be a dress rehearsal for the league final, so expect a fair bit of shadow boxing. Verdict: Draw
Wicklow v Carlow Joule Park, Aughrim Ref: F Barry (Kildare)
Carlow had a big win over Waterford last week and seem in a better place than their neighbours. Verdict: Carlow