Weekend GAA previews
Dublin’s semi-final spot is secure as only three other teams can reach their total of 10 points although the last two performances have disappointed Jim Gavin. They can expect an intense tussle here as Donegal aim to make amends for tripping up against Kerry and Roscommon. The last thing they want is a suggestion of relegation looming in the air heading to Castleblayney next week and a semi-final would fill a weekend before their long break to an Ulster quarter-final. Spoils may be shared.
Draw.
It’s a case of job done for Tyrone but they won’t mind subjecting their old but struggling foes to a fourth defeat of the campaign. Armagh can make the short trip to Omagh knowing Healy Park is no fortress, having knocked Tyrone out of the championship there in 2014.
Tyrone.
Kildare supporters have complained about the constant changes to the venue for this clash although Cian O’Neill’s existing relationship with Tipperary meant there were no arguments from him. Both teams lost their first games a fortnight ago and will be out to return to resume normal service although you feel Tipperary will miss Colin O’Riordan and Steven O’Brien most here.
Kildare.
The two-week break probably came at the wrong time for Leitrim having won two games on the bounce but it shouldn’t arrest their momentum here.
Leitrim.
For Westmeath, there was no harm done in losing to Carlow last weekend and losing top spot to them. Having already qualified, they would have seen a lot more from Carlow than Carlow would have gathered from their performance and their defence should be even meaner on this occasion.
Westmeath.
There’s too much arsenal at Down’s disposal for Armagh to negate. Down’s rearguard haven’t been shipping as many goals as their neighbours either.
Down.
Five wins from five for Roscommon compared to Monaghan’s three, on paper it appears a Roscommon win. They have looked ominous this spring.
Roscommon.
The fear for Longford is that while they have been scoring freely they have also been too open at the back. Fermanagh can expose that.
Fermanagh.
Come 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon, it may be “crisis? what crisis” for Cork’s footballers. It goes without saying they have problems although for all their defensive problems they have found the spine of their back-line in Eoin Cadogan and Brian O’Driscoll. But the signs of recovery against Dublin were brought to bear in the win over Monaghan. Down are operating several rungs lower than Monaghan. Anything but a Cork win would be a surprise.
Cork.
Monaghan supporters may be asking where did it all go wrong having looked like they were on course for another semi-final after winning their opening two rounds. Apart from the Cork game, their two other defeats were by narrow margins to All-Ireland contenders. Kerry arrive in their best league form for quite some time and with almost a full cast to choose from but Monaghan’s needs are greater.
Monaghan.
Are Roscommon to be believed or are they another Derry? The northerners have been in inspirational form during the spring only to falter in the summer as Roscommon have done themselves following recent fine league runs. Four wins on the trot is not something that should be ignored but Mayo have far too much at stake, both in a divisional sense and local bragging rights, to surrender.
Mayo.
Derry still find themselves teetering between promotion and relegation but for Meath it’s very much the latter as they aim for their first win since the opening round. Derry’s last victory came in the second round and ever since they have conceded over 20 points in each game. Meath’s problem has been sustaining leads.
Meath.
Cavan have been effervescent these last few weeks and they can take a major step towards promotion with a third consecutive win, at the same time pushing Laois closer towards relegation.
Cavan.
Win here and Galway can set up a de facto promotion play-off in Cavan tomorrow week. Fermanagh’s away record gives little indication that they can save themselves from relegation with a round remaining.
Galway.
Thus far, no visiting team has come away from Clare with points and Longford, as heartening as their recent win over Tipperary was, should be another statistic.
Clare.
The wheels came off Limerick’s campaign in spectacular fashion at home to Westmeath and the die will be cast if they fail to take anything but two points.
Sligo.
Westmeath pulverised Limerick and must build on it if they are to avoid relegation. Winning here could bring Offaly into that very equation.
Westmeath.
Waterford have been unfortunate on occasions but can’t afford any excuses if they are to evade the bottom spot.
Waterford.
Wexford badly need the win here as Antrim may have already qualified by the time Louth visit them next weekend.
Wexford.
Antrim can make the jump to Division 3 with a sixth win on the trot. They certainly look good for it.
Antrim.
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