The weekend's matches previewed

SATURDAY (2.30pm)

Division Two A

Mayo v Roscommon, Castlebar: The return of Roscommon joint manager Frank Browne to his former team adds to the intrigue of this match.

Mayo caused the minor sensation of the weekend when Keith Higgins landed two late goals to steal an invaluable win over Westmeath.

However, Roscommon should prevail.

SUNDAY (2.30pm)

Division One A

Antrim v Cork, Casement Park:This could be perceived as a clash between the haves and have-nots, with the GAA bending backwards to ensure Cork line out in this league but declining to push Antrim's match against Waterford forward by a couple of hours.

Gerald McCarthy will continue to use this league to try to find fresh players. He has made five changes here, with Neil Ronan, who hit 2-3 against Dublin, among those making way. Martin Coleman gets to wear Donal Óg Cusack's jersey. Cork need games and victories and although Antrim won't capitulate again, they face another loss here.

Kilkenny v Waterford, Nowlan Park:The outstanding match of the weekend, with Waterford showing their customary goal zeal and naming a strong team for this visit to Kilkenny. The ruthless manner with which Kilkenny dealt with Wexford was a salient reminder that the All-Ireland champions don't really permit themselves off-days. Thoughts of the summer to come ought to give this encounter a keen edge.

Wexford are the only governing form between the counties and Waterford's defeat on the opening day was a major surprise.

Kilkenny are a tough nut to crack in Nowlan Park and Waterford go there with a relatively novice defence but have John Mullane back to further sharpen the attack.

With Henry Shefflin still convalescing, this is an ideal chance for Waterford to lay down a statement of intent, although you cannot really argue against Kilkenny these days.

Wexford v Dublin, Wexford Park: No matter what Wexford do for the remainder of this league, one cannot escape the sense that they will be haunted by the hammering they took from Kilkenny last weekend. It was more than a league defeat. It was a devastating reminder that Brian Cody's side will always be blocking Wexford's progress.

Dublin posted 4-26 against Kilkenny and Cork and stayed in contention with the latter until the closing minutes.

John Meyler has radically changed his team in an effort to get the season back on track. Colm Farrell gets his first start at midfield and Dennis Morton moves to centre back.

This is a critical game for Wexford and the desperate circumstances alone will ensure they are competitive. But they are vulnerable and Dublin can claim a valuable away win here.

Division One B

Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park:The last thing Mike McNamara needs now is a high-flying Tipperary team arriving in Ennis. The league has given the Scariff man few breaks and his forwards were worryingly blunt against Limerick a week ago. Even so, Tony Carmody drops to the bench for Dave Barrett. Conor Plunkett has been named at centre back.

With Lar Corbett and Hugh Maloney out, Tipperary may be a over-reliant on Eoin Kelly for scores and may look for the likes of Pat Kerwick and John O'Brien to shoot with more freedom.

But Tipperary are very settled. Benny Dunne may be the hardest working man in hurling right now and it will be interesting to see if Conor O'Mahony can give a distance shooting exhibition to remind Clare folks of the brightest days of Seanie McMahon.

Offaly v Limerick, Tullamore:Although Offaly's hurling interest will be centred on the fortunes of Birr on St Patrick's Day, Joe Dooley is discovering that the county side's league form is just as patchy as it was in his own day. They are coming off a poor defeat to Laois, an afternoon made worse by the injury to their fine young prospect Daniel Currams.

Niall Moran returns to the Limerick starting line-up along with Donie Ryan. Last year's championship run has stood to Limerick and they should pick up the points.

Laois v Galway, Portlaoise:An away victory here will be an absolute priority for Galway. Ger Loughnane is still trying to figure his way through the Galway puzzle and although the defence looks relatively settled, from numbers eight on it is a moveable feast.

Ger Farragher will be anxious to underline his credentials as the county's number one free-taker and the management seems determined that Iarla Tannian should crack the full forward position.

Damien Fox was rightly thrilled with last week's win over Offaly and Laois will come in here in a great frame of mind. But the league has always been Galway's bread and butter and if they are to be considered serious contenders this year, they ought to be posting a significant victory here.

Division Two A

Westmeath v Wicklow, Cusack Park:Westmeath will be smarting after the concession of two late goals to Mayo cost them a perfect league start. This match provides them with a straightforward chance to keep the pressure on Kildare at the top.

Kildare v Kerry, Newbridge:This is a critical game for Andy Comerford's on-song Kildare squad. The former Kilkenny maestro has guided Kildare to a perfect start. But they have not been winning by big margins and could be caught here as Kerry have been rattling in goals. Still, the home team should prevail.

Division Two B

London v Meath, Ruislip:Meath played well against Down even after losing James Canty after 22 minutes. They have a reliable marksman in Niall Hackett and should use this trip to haul themselves back up the table.

Carlow v Armagh, Dr Cullen Park:It is a dog-fight in the middle of this table. This match will be tight but Armagh have been leaking too many scores in the league so far so Carlow should prevail.

Derry v Down, Banaher: Down are in a hurry back to the top flight. Gareth 'Magic'Johnston registered 1-7 for the county on his first game back after a sojourn in Australia. Paul Braniff is also back scoring points for the county.

-