Allianz Football League: The final round permutations for all four divisions

Quartet sweat for semi-final as race for places is so tight...

Division 1

Dublin were certain of a league semi-final prior to Saturday’s win over Donegal and will top the table.

They are likely to be joined by Roscommon, Kerry and one of Donegal, Cork, Mayo or Monaghan.

However, the latter four are also in danger of joining relegated Down in Division 2 next season with Monaghan and Mayo, both on four points, most at risk of being demoted.

It is more than likely there will at least one case of three or more teams finishing on the same number of points meaning score difference will be used to decide the finishing positions.

Mayo’s game against Down in Castlebar appears easier than Monaghan’s hosting of Donegal in Castleblayney. Barring landslide defeats in Hyde Park and Austin Stack Park next Sunday, Roscommon and Kerry’s healthy score difference should see them into the semi-finals.

Division 2

Like Dublin, Tyrone had all their hard work done prior to this past weekend and will make a quick return to Division 1.

They will be joined by Cavan should they beat or draw with Galway at home next Sunday. However, a win for Galway will earn them a jump to the top flight.

The relegation situation is more complicated with no team yet doomed. Derry are safe barring a catastrophe but two from Laois (3 points), Armagh and Meath (both 4 pts) and Fermanagh (5 pts) will be in Division 3 in 2017.

Division 3

Kildare secured promotion back to Division 2 courtesy of their comprehensive win over Tipperary on Saturday.

Five counties are in contention, well, mathematically at least, for the second promotion spot, but this race looks well and truly run.

Clare, currently on eight points, sit two points clear of Offaly, Sligo, Longford and Tipperary. And even if Clare fall to Kildare in Newbridge next weekend, their far superior score difference (presently +31) to the other four teams, all of whom have a negative score difference, should see them promoted.

Limerick are already relegated while Westmeath (5 pts) will need to beat Longford away from home to survive. A draw may prove enough. Longford, should they lose to Westmeath, could be in danger, as could the losers of the Sligo-Tipperary game if Westmeath get a result in Pearse Park.

Division 4

Antrim, on 12 points, are promoted. It is a two-horse race as to who joins them. Louth (10 pts) travel to face the league leaders, while Wexford (8 pts) play Carlow.

Louth could well benefit from Antrim having already secured their place in the league final and the temptations that may come with that to rest the team’s big-name players ahead of the Division 4 final.

Both Wexford and Louth have a score difference of +31 so a Wexford win, coupled with a Louth defeat in Belfast, would move Wexford into second place.