Today’s Previews
FOOTBALL
ALLIANZ LEAGUE
DIVISION 1
Donegal v Armagh, Letterkenny, 1.45pm
While Donegal were duty-bound to play one of their four home games at Letterkenny, they did not have to think too hard about sending Armagh there with the Orchard men set to visit Ballybofey in a much bigger game next month.
However, in denying Armagh the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the venue, Donegal risk their Division 1 status by going to a venue where they have a terrible record.
Still, they have the greater motivation. Verdict: Donegal
Kerry v Tyrone,
Fitzgerald Stadium, 1.45pm
The corresponding fixture last year provided Tyrone with an obvious of reference point on the road from League chumps to All-Ireland champs and it can offer some kind of redemption again.
While Kerry may be smarting from last summer, having secured a place in the League final and with a number of players in need of game time, Tyrone could have picked a worse time to come calling.
Verdict: Tyrone
Mayo v Kildare, Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 1.45pm
There was much to admire in how Kildare shredded the Monaghan defence last weekend as they racked up 24 points, but they have never looked so comfortable on the road.
True, this does not qualify strictly as an away fixture but Mayo’s raucous support base means that wherever they lay their hat is their home.
While a crunch meeting with Galway comes only three weeks after the League final, James Horan may just view a big day out in Croke Park – which a win here would seal – as the perfect build-up. And Kildare could pay the ultimate price by falling through the trapdoor.
Verdict: Mayo
Monaghan v Dublin, Clones, 1.45pm
Monaghan’s eight-year reign as a topflight team is hanging by a slender enough thread without having Dublin coming to claw at it.
Last weekend’s loss to Kildare felt like a fatal blow for the Farney men, although they will not go quietly as last season against Galway showed when they won a relegation play-off at the death.
However, Dublin have rediscovered who they are and while winning a third game in a row might not be enough to avoid the indignity of relegation, the chances are that it will be.
Verdict: Dublin
DIVISION 2
Down v Clare, Páirc Esler, 2pm
On a weekend where there is so much at stake, this is the exception. Down’s desperate need to get a victory on the board might lend the contest some purpose.
Verdict: Down
Meath v Derry, Páirc Tailteann, 2pm
These teams have witnessed a radical change in form and fortune in recent weeks and the mauling Derry received last weekend may have fatally damaged their chances of getting promoted.
Still, the least Rory Gallagher will expect is that they ask the question of Roscommon who lead them by a point in the race for that second berth. Verdict: Derry
Offaly v Cork, Bord na Móna O’Connor Park, 2pm
It’s a long time since the Offaly foot
HURLING
ALLIANZ LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 SEMI-FINAL Wexford v Waterford Nowlan Park, 3.45pm (TG4)
Rory O’Connor and Stephen Bennett have really been lighting it up in attack for Wexford and Waterford respectively.
If Wexford have been the bolters from the pack under the impressive stewardship of Darragh
Egan, Waterford have looked the form team in the country along with Cork.
Don’t be fooled by the secondhalf fade out against Kilkenny last weekend.
Verdict: Waterford ballers were the focus of the national spotlight, but if they win here then they can send Cork, who face Kerry in the Munster semi-final, tumbling into the Tailteann Cup.
However, the prospect of that indignity as well as the form of Steven Sherlock and Cathal O’Mahony should see the Rebels avoid defeat – and a draw will be enough – and send the home team down.
Verdict: Cork
Roscommon v Galway, Dr Hyde Park, 2pm
Having secured promotion and with a League final to come in a week’s time, Pádraic Joyce may well use this tie as an opportunity to get some gametime into his fringe players. Meanwhile, the home team will have a much more defined sense of purpose and it should tell.
Verdict: Roscommon
DIVISION 3
Antrim v Westmeath, Corrigan Park, 2pm
The two pre season promotion favourites find themselves in the last chance saloon, scrapping for the last berth in the knowledge that it will only be in play if Limerick fail to win. They would have hoped for much better, but Antrim will ask the question and may even be happy with the answer.
Verdict: Antrim
DILEMMA : Mayo boss James Horan
Laois v Longford, MW Hire O’Moore Park, 2pm
Longford need to win to avoid relegation on the basis that they will have the superior head-to-head record against Laois. However, they are playing catch-up on Laois for a reason. Verdict: Laois
Limerick v Fermanagh, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 2pm
A seismic fixture in the modern history of Limerick football as Billy Lee’s team get a shot at playing in the Sam Maguire this year. They have been one of the most improved teams in the land over the last three years, but Fermanagh’s recent form is impressive and they might just be the wrong team at the wrong time for Limerick. Verdict: Fermanagh
Wicklow v Louth, Aughrim, 2pm
More than a blood relative to a dead rubber as Wicklow’s race against the drop is done, while Louth hardly need to tick this box to go up, but they will anyway.
Verdict: Louth
DIVISION 4
Sligo v Leitrim, Markievicz Park, 1pm
The fact this game is going ahead 24 hours after Tipperary’s potential promotion-sealing encounter will likely mean there will be nothing to play for. Still, Sligo can lay down a marker that they will be a team to be reckoned with in Tailteann Cup action.
Verdict: Sligo