Today’s previews
Compiled by Philip Lanigan and Micheal Clifford
FOOTBALL Allianz FL Division 1 Kerry v Meath
Fitzgerald Stadium, 1pm
Meath are fast approaching the point of no return in their bid to stay in the top division, and this looks like a futile task.
There is a fragility to the Meath defence and when these teams met last summer, Kerry had eight points to spare. They should be good for similar here.
Verdict: Kerry
Galway v Tyrone Tuam Stadium, 2pm
Tyrone’s final-round win last spring denied Galway back-toback League final appearances, but the way the Tribesmen are firing under Padraig Joyce, two out of three would not be bad.
Galway have shown themselves to have a wide array of scorers while Tyrone are leaning heavily on Darren McCurry.
Verdict: Galway
Monaghan v Mayo Clones, 2pm
In terms of performance, Monaghan should be two points better off than they are – they should have drawn with Galway and beaten Dublin.
In contrast, Mayo are perhaps three points better off than they should be but their luck may run out here. Verdict: Monaghan
Allianz FL Division 2 Clare v Laois Cusack Park, 2pm
Micheal Quirke will be demanding a response for his Laois team’s no-show against Cavan last weekend.
Verdict: Clare
Westmeath v Armagh TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Despite that slip-up to Laois, Armagh look the strongest team in this division.
Westmeath’s bright start has defied expectations but they are heading for a reality check.
Verdict: Armagh
Kildare v Roscommon Newbridge, 2.30pm
Early days, but this is a monster game for Jack O’Connor. A third defeat in four games will not only kill fading hopes of promotion, but bring the prospect of secondtier football ever closer. Their urgency to carry the day.
Verdict: Kildare
FL Division 3 Derry v Louth Celtic Park, 2pm
Rory Gallagher got off the winning mark last time out against Tipperary and will make it another win here.
Verdict: Derry Leitrim v Offaly
Páirc Sean MacDiarmada, 2pm To their credit, Leitrim have defied expectations by being far more competitive than had been anticipated but that is still not going to translate into points.
Verdict: Offaly
Allianz FL Division 4 Wexford v London Wexford Park, 12pm
Paul Galvin is beginning to enjoy management and a third win in a row will make him even happier.
Verdict: Wexford
Limerick v Wicklow Rathkeale, 2pm
This has the feel of another game that will test Limerick’s nerve.
Verdict: Limerick
Antrim v Carlow Glenavy, 2.30pm
Looks like it could be a thankless trip north for Carlow.
Verdict: Antrim
HURLING
Allianz HL Division 1 Group A Waterford v Galway
Walsh Park, 2pm Iarlaith Daly was one of the debutants who shone in the halfback line when Liam Cahill’s side turned over Cork at home.
A tough one for Galway who will have to show a bit of fire.
Verdict: Waterford Cork v Limerick
Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm (deferred TG4) Cork knew they were lucky to get the win over Westmeath last time and they’ll need to show a marked improvement against a free-scoring Limerick side.
Verdict: Limerick
Tipperary v Westmeath Semple Stadium, 2pm
Westmeath’s failure to get over the line last time out is bound to drain confidence.
Verdict: Tipperary
Division 1 Group B Kilkenny v Clare
UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm
Find a way of limiting Tony Kelly’s influence – no mean task – and Kilkenny can sneak it.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Division 2A
Antrim v Meath O’Cathain Park, 12.30pm
A chance for Antrim to take Meath out of any promotion race.
Verdict: Antrim
Mayo v Offaly Connacht CofE, 2pm
Mayo’s struggles to continue against Offaly’s free-scoring Eoghan Cahill. Verdict: Offaly
Division 2B
Kildare v Roscommon Hawfield, 12pm
A break from action last week should do Kildare no harm.
Verdict: Kildare
London v Down Ruislip, 2pm
Oisin McManus has been one of those to shine in Down’s progress to date and the visitors can make it three wins from three.
Verdict: Down
Division 3A
Armagh v Louth Athletic Grounds, 2pm
Verdict: Armagh
Donegal v Monaghan Letterkenny, 2pm
Verdict: Donegal
Tyrone v Longford Healy Park, 2pm
Verdict: Longford
Division 3B
Sligo v Leitrim Markievicz Park, 2pm
Verdict: Sligo