Today Matches at 7.0 unless stated
Division One Dublin v Tyrone, Croke Park – Mickey Harte's more defensive alignment has raised eyebrows and this evening's configuration looks set up to frustrate the home side – a half-forward line that looks more like a half-back line. Dublin are in need of a win having lost both of their away matches. Tyrone conversely have played poorly at home and beaten Mayo in Castlebar. Dublin however are beginning to get players back. Bernard Brogan, Cian O'Sullivan and Ciarán Kilkenny have made their returns in recent weeks and even with the under-21 season upon us they have to be favourites and will be smarting from the defeat in Kerry but the visitors aren't going to make it easy. Verdict: Dublin.
Division Two Meath v Westmeath, Páirc Tailteann – Even better for Mick O'Dowd, the team's flying forward Eamon Wallace confirmed his comeback from cruciate injury and this evening makes his first appearance for the seniors in a year. Westmeath had an excellent win over Kildare last weekend but gave up a lot of chances. Meath won't spurn them like Kildare. Verdict: Meath.
Cavan v Kildare, Breffni Park – This has taken on an urgent complexion for both teams. Kildare have flickered in and out of matches so far and failed to do enough when on top. Three defeats have scuppered promotion prospects, which are still just about alive for Cavan although manager Terry Hyland is also coping with player unavailability. Verdict: Kildare.
Division Three
Tipperary v Clare, Semple Stadium, 3.0 – The defeat by Fermanagh brought a disappointing end to Tipperary's hopes of promotion. Now they need to get back on track and Clare will be tricky opponents. Verdict: Tipperary.
Armagh v Fermanagh, Athletic Grounds – The winners here will have promotion all but sewn up and it's hard to see beyond Armagh. They will restrict Fermanagh's chances and their defensive game plan will make scores hard to come by. Verdict: Armagh
Tomorrow Matches at 2.0 unless stated
Division One
Donegal v Monaghan, Letterkenny – There was a sense in Castleblayney that Monaghan might regret the way in which they let one if not two points evaporate against Cork and so it has proved. An undisciplined – two red cards – display against Mayo saw them lose heavily. Donegal did well to hold off Cork despite being short Michael Murphy for the final quarter. A week ago Martin O'Reilly kicked four from play in a low-scoring match. Monaghan have been without Conor McManus because of his hip injury and that contrast in firepower will be enough. Verdict: Donegal.
Cork v Kerry, Páirc Uí Rinn – It's probably no surprise given the eternal blur of their matches but this is the 26th meeting of the counties in the past 10 seasons' league and championship. In a spring of glad tidings for the All-Ireland champions, Paul Galvin's suspension of retirement this week was the latest. Éamonn Fitzmaurice still has two other Footballers of the Year due back and they're four points better off than last year after three matches. Paul Geaney misses out because of a hip injury. After two wins Cork last week came out on the wrong side of a third tightly contested encounter. Kerry are favoured here because their centrefield has been playing so well whereas Cork are short the injured Ian Maguire. Verdict: Kerry.
Derry v Mayo, Celtic Park, 2.30 – Although Derry pulled an unexpected point out of Omagh they're nowhere near full tilt. Eoin Bradley is unavailable for this but Mark Lynch is back from suspension. Mayo have left their under-21s to concentrate on championship. Danny Kirby from Castlebar gets a run and All Star full back Ger Cafferkey is an interesting pick at centre back. With the momentum of last week Derry could spring a shock tomorrow. Verdict: Derry.
Division Two
Laois v Roscommon, O'Moore Park – Both sides had a breather last week with the weather forcing postponements. Brendan Quigley returns for Laois after suspension. Roscommon will be glad of the break, which rested their various Sigerson winners for an extra week. Verdict: Roscommon. Down v Galway, Páirc Esler – So far Down have done better on the road than at home. Galway didn't play last week but are 100 per cent from two matches. Kevin Walsh is still not at full strength and not since Vivien Leigh was cast as Scarlet O'Hara has a role been as extensively auditioned as that of Galway goalkeeper – five have been trialled this year. Down looked impressive in Cavan and can kick on tomorrow. Verdict: Down.
Division Three
Sligo v Louth, Markievicz Park – Two teams who have made contrasting starts to the season. Sligo sit joint bottom with Wexford and may struggle here as well given that Colin Kelly has got Louth rolling after a bad opening and they are two points off the top. Nine scorers from play suggest a range of options that Sligo don't enjoy at the moment. Verdict: Louth.
Wexford v Limerick, Innovate Wexford Park, 2.30 – This is a good chance for David Power's management to get off the mark this campaign. After a good first half against Louth they fell away and found themselves reduced to 14. Limerick have been struggling with an understrength panel to date. Verdict: Wexford. Division Four Antrim v London, Cargin, 12.30 – Note change of venue. London found the struggle unequal against Longford and this trip to Cargin doesn't promise any improvement. Verdict: Antrim.
Offaly v Leitrim, O'Connor Park – Offaly have got off to the sort of start that any team hoping for promotion needs and Willie Mulhall's 2-8 against Wicklow symbolised the confidence whereas Leitrim have tanked. Verdict: Offaly.
Longford v Waterford, Pearse Park – Longford are in the promotion frame whereas Waterford have fallen away and need to get something here, which is unlikely. Verdict: Longford.
Carlow v Wicklow, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2.0 – Form is strongly with Carlow in this after an unbeaten start to the league. Wicklow have disappointed with just a narrow win over Leitrim so far. Verdict: Carlow.
