ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREVIEWS

CORK v DONEGAL

CROKE PARK, 2.0PM (TG4)

IT was a tight and claustrophobic affair when these two met in Ballyshannon in the third round. Cork were road-testing a new defensive system and that played into Donegal’s hands who were cruising until Michael Murphy (right) was dismissed in the 50th minute. But even without their captain, they kept the Rebels at arm’s length to win by a point. Murphy was suspended for last Sunday’s match in Castlebar, but returns today for an encounter that is sure to have some interesting individual tussles. Neil McGee did an effective job in quelling Colm O’Neill last month and the battle between them will be intriguing. Frank McGlynn gave an energetic display in Castlebar, that had echoes of his 2012 season, and Cork will have to check his runs from deep. Conor Dorman and James Loughrey have been two of Cork’s more consistent performers in the League and they will keep the Donegal half-forwards busy while Noel Galvin may be detailed to look after the in-form Paddy McBrearty. With their Championship clash against Tyrone a month away, Donegal might not need the distraction of another competitive game, most likely against Dublin. The Rebels have a bit longer to wait before their summer starts, and that may be the decisive factor in this game.

Verdict: Cork. Ref: Marty Duffy (Sligo).

DUBLIN v MONAGHAN

CROKE PARK, 4.0PM (TG4)

GIVEN Malachy O’Rourke’s attention to detail, last Sunday’s match in Clones will have been analysed on Monaghan’s warmweather training trip to Portugal. The most impressive aspect of Dublin’s display was not the 1-22 they kicked against a defensively-minded team, but the way they swarmed in defence and hassled and harried the Monaghan players. The intensity, for the first week in April, was something to behold. The Farney men couldn’t replicate the performance that saw them beat Kerry the week before, but they have a chance to redeem themselves here. O’Rourke is sure to come up with a game-plan that will ensure they won’t cough up 23 scores to Dublin again, but the issue will be whether they can score enough at the other end. The visitors were 15 points ahead at one stage during the second half in Clones and With Cavan looming on the Championship horizon, O’Rourke won’t want his team to suffer a similar trouncing this afternoon. They rely heavily on Rory Beggan and Conor McManus from placed balls and may get within touching distance of the defending League champions, but won’t have enough incision to cause a shock. And given the reserves that Jim Gavin can call upon – including Alan Brogan for the first time this season – the Dubs should make it to their third League final in a row. Verdict: Dublin. Ref: R Hickey (Clare).