Today’s Previews
ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Division 1
Donegal v Monaghan, Ballybofey, 1.45pm Monaghan’s eight-year stay in the top flight looks less than secure, although their performances have been better than their results, which is quite the opposite to Donegal.
However, that flipped in the last round where the Farney men struggled against Kerry, while Donegal reminded that they are one of the most dynamic running teams in the game when beating Tyrone. And, with a 12-year unbeaten League record in Ballybofey, there is only one way this is going to play out.
Verdict: Donegal
Tyrone v Dublin, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 3.45pm
And so we find ourselves in uncharted waters, trying to figure out the permutations that will see Dublin fall out of the League’s top flight.
In short, if Kildare win against Armagh and the Dubs lose here then they are done.
Dessie Farrell’s comfort is that it is still in their own hands but travelling to the home of the champions, smarting after that loss to Donegal, suggests it will be of the cold variety. Verdict: Tyrone
Division 2
Galway v Clare, Pearse Stadium, 2pm
Pádraic Joyce is bound to be concerned by his team’s concession of five goals in their last two games but, that aside, it has been a trouble-free run thus far and, while Clare will offer stiff resistance, the Tribesmen will take another step closer to Division 1. Verdict: Galway
Meath v Cork, Páirc Tailteann, 2pm
A fixture that echoes of a glorious past when this pair squared up to each other in the late ’80s and early ’90s in pursuit of the Sam Maguire, but these days they are literally scrapping to make up the numbers in it.
And the prospect for whoever loses here of playing in the Tailteann Cup will become uncomfortably realistic. Such has been Meath’s miserable form, they are heading that way.
Verdict: Cork
Roscommon v Derry, Dr Hyde Park, 2pm
A fascinating clash that will go some way to answering who will take one of the promotion slots available. While Roscommon have impressed to this point, they will find Rory Gallagher’s fine Derry team too tough a nut to crack. Verdict: Derry
Division 3
Fermanagh v Louth, Brewster Park, 3.30
After a slow start, Fermanagh are really finding their stride under new boss Kieran Donnelly, winning back-toback games inside a week. Momentum is their friend and a third win will give them an edge in what is a crowded promotion race.
Verdict: Fermanagh
Wicklow v Laois, Aughrim, 3.30pm
A first game for Wicklow’s new joint management team of Alan Costello and Gary Duffy, but, should they lose, then relegation back to the bottom tier will become something of an inevitability.
However, they have a chance against a Laois team struggling for form and consistency, although Billy Sheehan’s side may just have enough. Verdict: Laois
Division 4: Sligo v London, Markievicz Park, 12pm London’s winning streak was brought to an end by Wexford last time out and they are unlikely to get back to winning ways against a Sligo side seeking to get some momentum back into their campaign. Verdict: Sligo
Carlow v Leitrim, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm
With Cavan on the fast track to promotion, there is only one other slot available and Leitrim’s form is as good as any of the rest of the division when it comes to bagging it. Verdict: Leitrim
Cavan v Tipperary, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm Fifteen months after both of these teams contested AllIreland semi-finals, they are adjusting to a much more sombre reality, but Cavan are making a better fist of it and get the nod here.
Verdict: Cavan
Wexford v Waterford, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
After a slow start, there has been some evidence that Wexford are getting their act together and Waterford are unlikely to inflict the kind of pain that Tipperary managed last weekend.
Verdict: Wexford