Lidl Ladies NFL previews
COMPILED BY JACKIE CAHILL (2.0PM UNLESS STATED)
Division 1 Monaghan v Donegal, Clones
Ref: K McKeever (Armagh) This Ulster derby brings together two sides who know plenty about each other. Donegal boast the strongest scoring difference in the top flight and with forward Yvonne Bonner in fine form, they’ll feel confident of making it two wins from four outings. A Monaghan victory would have them looking up the table, rather than over their shoulders.
Cork v Westmeath, Mallow
Ref: S McNulty (Wicklow) Title holders Cork look well placed to retain their crown. It’s been a tough slog for Westmeath with three defeats from their three matches and leaking 9-17 to Donegal last weekend is a concern. That said they were competitive in the defeats to Mayo and Dublin
Kerry v Galway, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
Ref: J Mullins (Limerick) Galway and Kerry occupy slots five and six, respectively, in the table and this is an opportunity to push for semi-final positions, However if results go against them elsewhere, both could drift out of the picture.
Division 2 Cavan v Tipperary, MacFinn’s Park, Virginia,
Ref: D Love (Fermanagh) The top two go head to head with Tipperary protecting a 100 per cent record against unbeaten Cavan.
Waterford v Sligo, WIT, Waterford
Ref: K Phelan (Laois) Waterford have three wins from three and should have too much for Sligo who are bottom of the second tier on points difference.
Laois v Clare, Stradbally
Ref: J Murphy (Carlow) A victory here could see visiting Clare make a push for the top four.
Armagh v Tyrone, 12.0pm, Athletic Grounds
Ref: B Rice (Down) Tyrone have lost just one of their three opening games, while Armagh racked up 7-20 against Sligo last Sunday and will seek to push on.
Division 3 Wexford v Roscommon,
2.30pm, St Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy
Ref: N McCormack (Laois) Wexford lead the way in Division 3 and have the chance to maintain their 100 per cent record against Roscommon.
Down v Offaly, Abbey GS, Newry
Ref: Y Duffy (Cavan) With one victory and one defeat so far, Down are still in the promotion hunt in the early stages of the campaign but they’ll need a victory in Offaly to remain on track.
Kildare v Longford, Hawkfield, Kildare
Ref: D McEnery (Westmeath) Kildare are on six points to date and take on Longford who will be eager to atone for a heavy loss against Meath in their last outing.
Meath v Leitrim, 1.0pm, Dunganny
Ref: P Burke (Louth) After scoring 11-27 in their opening two League fixtures, it came as a surprise when Meath lost for the first time against Roscommon but normal service should be resumed here.
Division 4 Wicklow v Antrim, Roundwood
Ref: B Redmond, Wexford) Leaders Wicklow will get nothing easy from Antrim.
Derry v Louth, St Trea’s Ballymaguigan,
Ref: S Coyle (Donegal) Louth seek to keep in touch with table-toppers Wicklow
Fermanagh v Carlow, Derrygonnelly
Ref: D Kearns (Down) After losing to Antrim in their opening game, Fermanagh have hit back in impressive fashion.
Kilkenny v Limerick, Dunmore, Kilkenny
Ref: J Corcoran (Kildare) Kilkenny have found the going rather tough while Limerick will be anxious to bounce back from a six-point defeat against Wicklow last time out.