Sam Maguire permutations: Who needs what in final group games?
Cork's Conor Corbett watches as his point goes over despite efforts from Brendan McCole of Donegal to block it Pic: Nick Elliott, Inpho
A draw or a win for Armagh against Galway will see them straight through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals at the expense of Pádraic Joyce’s side for the second season in a row. Galway need the two points to claim first position as do Derry against Westmeath to avoid an early exit and grab an away All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final berth as they have an inferior score difference to The Lake County on the back of those defeats to Galway and Armagh.
Similar to Armagh, a point against Mayo will be sufficient for Dublin to top the group following the champions’ pummeling of Cavan on Saturday. Like Galway, Mayo have to win to secure a repeat of last year’s quarter-final to secure a last-eight berth. A draw with Roscommon won’t do Cavan in the hunt for the remaining preliminary quarter-final spot as their score differential is inferior to Davy Burke’s side.
Cork may top the table with two more points than Donegal and Tyrone but losing to the latter could see them fall to third if Donegal also see off Clare because of score difference. They are +4, Donegal are +5 and Tyrone +7. A win against or draw with Tyrone and they will have a two-week break to the quarter-finals. To stay in the championship, Clare must defeat Donegal and hope Tyrone take something off Cork.
Kerry will top the group with a point against Louth, who require a win over The Kingdom to automatically qualify for the last eight at their expense. Both are guaranteed knockout places. A draw against Meath will also seal a preliminary quarter-final spot for Monaghan, although a hefty win combined with a heavy loss for Louth could give them home advantage in the preliminary game. Meath know they must beat Monaghan to remain alive.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
