National Football League
Division 1A
Offaly v Roscommon (Tullamore 3.30) - Roscommon's February win against All-Ireland champions Kerry leaves them with an outside chance of advancing to the semi-finals. Solid throughout the campaign, the team's main weakness has been its patchy attack. When on song, they have lethal finishers, but they drift out of games for long periods. Offaly have been hard to read, sparkling against Kerry but mundane against Louth, despite the win. Much will depend on where they are in relation to championship preparation. But Pauric Nowlan has had this honest team steered in the right direction for quite some time.
Kerry v Donegal (Killarney, 1.30) - After a vaguely uneasy wintering period, the All-Ireland champions displayed signs that they will shortly be in a mood for business with their dismissal of Dublin in Killarney. Chances are they will be hungry for this game, as much to shake the lethargy as maintain Division One status.
For Donegal, it has been all downhill since Christmas. With the wins against Louth by both teams likely to be erased due to the foot-and-mouth- restrictions, this is in essence a relegation game. Donegal, stunted against Tyrone and Dublin, are due a good outing. Expect a return to the early league sprightliness. But Kerry still should prevail as they awake from their slumber.
Dublin v Galway (Parnell Park 3.30) - Bring your boots, folks. Both managers will be calling on their imagination given the extent of injuries in both camps. Among the half dozen of those missing for Galway will be Paul Clancy and Declan Meehan, while Dublin will also be without six regulars, including the blighted Ian Robertson and Jason Sherlock.
This has been a jading winter for Tommy Carr's Dublin side. Galway have, at times, looked masterful and will be keen to consolidate their unblemished record. Much will depend on what the teams have been doing during the period of inactivity. Dublin fans have already witnessed a few galling losses at Parnell Park and, with the championship days on the horizon, will be desperate for a hopeful sign. The home team may still need to develop the killer instinct, but they do not lack moral courage. They will force a contest out of this.
Louth v Tyrone - off.
Division 1B
Fermanagh v Clare (Enniskillen 2.30) - A stuttering opening to the John Maughan era in Fermanagh has been one of the surprises of this section. Suffice to say the Ulster side have lost some games they should have won. This is the time to iron out problems, such as closing out games and gifting scores to opponents. This summer could be big for the county. Their league aims will be met with consolidation of Division One status. They should take a significant step towards that against Clare tomorrow. Pat Begley's charges are a bit unlucky to be lying so low in the table and won't want for effort. But Fermanagh have the firepower.
Laois v Sligo (Portlaoise 3.30) - Sligo seem determined to compensate for last year's traumatic collapse on the last day of the league, when they missed out on the semi-finals through points difference. Having dropped a point against neighbours and pace-setters Mayo, nothing less than a win will do against Laois. The home team is solid, with players such as Ian Fitzgerald and Mick Lawlor proven threats. But Sligo have an experienced squad that has seen near success and abject failure. Peter Forde has guided them well thus far and they should take full points in Portlaoise.
Derry v Cavan (Ballinascreen 3.30) - This is not an enviable task for Cavan. After repelling Meath in a classic derby back in Cavan, they now face the northern lions. Derry, no strangers to league excellence, started the year in thoroughly uninterested fashion. Since the new year, however, they have begun to display the venom of old and the lay-off ought to leave them hungry for a competitive hour. The sight of Cavan alone ought to provide them with impetus. Val Andrews had been using Dermot McCabe sparingly, but may decide to slot him in to combat the presence of Anthony Tohill. Derry to prevail.
Mayo v Meath (Ballina 3.30) - A tough return to competitive fare for Pat Holmes's men, who have been quietly blazing a trail to the league play-offs. Meath's flatness was a notable part of this division, along with the prolonged absences of John McDermott, who has not yet returned, and Trevor Giles, who is back in training. The defence will be as unaccommodating as ever, but thus far the attack has been blunted.
Mayo have reported something of an injury crisis and delayed naming a side until the weekend. However, recent history will probably ensure that they are keenly anticipating this challenge. If they can put out a reasonably balanced team, a big step to the semi-finals could result. But Meath have been too quiet for too long. This would seem like an apt time to post reminders that they haven't gone away.
Division 2A
Westmeath v Cork (Mullingar 3.30) - This is a notable test for Cork - a county that has stealthily set about returning to the top division - and one that they should overcome. Westmeath are a feisty prospect on home turf and will regard this tie as one against which to measure themselves. For Cork, though, this is another step towards tapping into the form that brought them close to an All-Ireland two years ago.
Wicklow v Antrim (Aughrim, 2.00) - This represents a tricky proposition for the northern side. Both teams might well be fresher for the month's lay-off. Antrim to win.
Armagh v Leitrim - off
Division 2B
Down v Tipperary (Newry 2.00) - The home team to secure the win and take another step towards the top flight.
Longford v Monaghan (Pearse Park 3.30) - A match that both counties will have identified as potentially lucrative. Promotion may not be an issue but with the championship looming, form becomes ever more important. Could go either way. Settle for a draw.
Wexford v Carlow (Gorey 3.30) - This time of year is normally treated with great urgency by these teams given the early start to their championships. A clash that will have no great bearing on the table, it will nonetheless be a hotly-contested local derby. The home team might shade it.
Waterford v Kildare (Dungarvan 3.30) - Ought to be a straightforward and ultimately successful day trip south for the Lilywhites.
