Today’s Previews

ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 1

Galway v Derry, Salthill, 1.45

Galway’s win over Tyrone is likely to prove a critical result in ultimately securing the Tribesmen’s Division 1 status, but Mickey Harte has loftier ambitions. That clarity allied to their class has made them the only credible team to top the game’s power rankings on form.

Verdict: Derry

Roscommon v Monaghan, Dr Hyde Park, 1.45

The most worrying aspect of Monaghan’s losses to Kerry and Derry is how their defence has been exposed to the degree that they have conceded six goals in those two games. Roscommon might not possess that kind of firepower but they have more than enough to bag the points.

Verdict: Roscommon

DIVISION 2

Fermanagh v Cork, Ederney St Joseph’s, 2.0

Concern will morph into a crisis should the Rebels lose a fourth game on the bounce. And Fermanagh are exactly the kind of team which have caused Cork problems in the past. However, they will win simply because they can’t afford to lose.

Verdict: Cork

Louth v Cavan, Páirc Mhuire, Ardee 2.0

Credit is coming slowly to Raymond Galligan’s Cavan who after beating Cork – on top of running Donegal to a single point – were largely ignored because of the consequences that result has potentially for the Rebels. They have shown to be comfortable in their skin at this level, while in contrast Louth are stretched to their absolute limit to compete.

Verdict: Cavan

Meath v Kildare, Navan, 2.0

Glenn Ryan’s stand-off with a local journalist post match last weekend after his team’s trouncing at the hands of Armagh encapsulated the sense of crisis that has gripped the camp. But while there is no hard evidence to suggest things will change, the reality is that Meath are hardly a level above them.

Verdict: Kildare

Armagh v Donegal, Athletic Grounds, 3.0

The sense that both of these teams are so far ahead of the rest has diluted the importance of this top-of-thetable clash. Donegal have the added protection of having already beaten Cavan – the only team likely to gatecrash the promotion race – which means that even if they come up short here, it will not alter the big picture.

Verdict: Armagh

DIVISION 3

Clare v Wicklow, Cusack Park, Ennis, 2,0

It can be argued that Clare’s results have been better than their performances, and that the same applies in reverse to Wicklow. But, as ever, results are all that matter.

Verdict: Clare

Sligo v Antrim, Markievicz Park, 2.0

This is really a promotion eliminator in that whoever loses is out of the race to catch either Down or Westmeath. Sligo have bounced back from an unexpected opening-round defeat to Clare and have the momentum.

Verdict: Sligo

Westmeath v Limerick, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 2.0

Limerick are simply out of their depth at this level and Westmeath will speed up their inevitable return to the bottom tier.

Verdict: Westmeath

DIVISION 4

Longford v London, Pearse Park, 1.0

Longford, just like last year, have followed up an impressive pre-season with a poor league and they will be stretched to the limit by the exiles.

Verdict: Longford

Carlow v Leitrim, Dr Cullen

Park, 2.0

Leitrim started brightly but Carlow will take some comfort from last weekend’s loss to Laois. This could be an opportunity to get their promotion hopes back on track.

Verdict: Carlow

Tipperary v Laois, Semple Stadium, 2.0

Laois have stamped their authority on this division in such a way that their promotion is all but assured and fixtures like this are closer to a boxticking exercise than a challenge.

Verdict: Laois

ALLIANZ NHL DIVISION 1 GROUP A

Cork v Waterford, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3.45 (TG4)

Cork’s first half against Kilkenny was so poor but the introduction of Mark Coleman did a lot to transform the side. Waterford certainly were game against Clare but the glut of injuries doesn’t help them here.

Verdict: Cork

Kilkenny v Offaly, Nowlan Park, 1.45

The kind of Leinster derby that Offaly used to relish. This won’t be easy though with so many injuries, especially with Kilkenny getting into a groove with the O’Loughlin Gaels contingent well settled back in.

Verdict: Kilkenny

Wexford v Clare, Wexford Park, 1.45 (TG4 deferred)

Freed from the distractions of college competition, Clare will only get stronger. Sean Rynne was a revelation around the middle against Waterford.

Verdict: Clare

DIVISION 1 GROUP B

Antrim v Galway, Corrigan Park, 1.0

After the filleting by Limerick’s ‘B’ team, Antrim showed against Dublin that they are a different proposition at Corrigan Park. Galway though will be out to keep their scoring averages up.

Verdict: Galway

DIVISION 2A

Down v Kildare, Ballycran, 2.0

Down continue to defy expectations and have made Ballycran a tough place to go and get a result.

Verdict: Down

Kerry v Meath, Austin Stack Park, 1.0

Kerry look vulnerable right now but an away win is still a tough ask.

Verdict: Kerry

Division 2B: Wicklow v Roscommon, Aughrim, 2.0; Derry v London, Celtic Park, 1.0

Division 3A: Monaghan v Armagh, Clones, 2.0; Mayo v Cavan, MacHale Park, 2.0; Louth v Sligo, Dowdallshill, 1.0.