Today's Allianz football league previews
(2.30 unless stated)
Division 1: Cork v Down, Páirc Uí Chaoimh 2.0
This fixture should be the most entertaining of the day because Down were pretty impressive against Donegal and their team ethic was strong. The Cork defence looked in all sorts of bother when Armagh tore at them last Sunday and they lost a six-point lead. They'll really need a home win to bolster their title hopes. Alan Quirke (35) is back in goal, while Colm O'Neill is in for the suspended Paul Kerrigan. It won't be easy, however, because Down's Liam Doyle is really on fire and they look to be gelling better than 2011. Verdict: Cork
Donegal v Laois
Letterkenny
Donegal are wounded after last weekend's loss to Down and without Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden, it's clear that they are struggling. So too are Laois, however, and they only managed eight points against Mayo.
Verdict: Donegal
DIVISION 2
Westmeath v Meath
Cusack Park
It will take time to build a new Westmeath side; they lost 12 players to retirements, injuries and emigration, and they look favourites for relegation. On the other side, defender Ciarán Lenehan is named at wing-forward for Meath who scored 1-15 last weekend.
Verdict: Meath
Monaghan v Kildare
Clones
Kildare missed four goal chances and saw nine efforts drop short against Tyrone. If they can tighten their focus today, they surely have enough firepower.
Verdict: Kildare
Tyrone v Derry
Healy Park
Tyrone, and Eoin Mulligan especially, were superb against Kildare. Around the same time Derry were falling away to Galway and it seems their fitness could be better.
Verdict: Tyrone
Galway v Louth
Pearse Stadium
Adrian Faherty replaces Manus Breathnach in goals for Galway, while Gary Sice comes in for Jonathan Ryan. Paddy Keenan, Aaron Hoey and Darren Clarke all did well for Louth in their win over Westmeath.
Verdict: Galway
DIVISION 3
Offaly v Roscommon
Tullamore
Offaly looked like relegation candidates last weekend. A 13-point defeat to Longford does not bode well against a team that is tipped to gain promotion.
Verdict: Roscommon
Tipperary v Antrim
Semple Stadium
Last Saturday night, Antrim beat Sligo in an impressive display, but Tipp also looked good in their game away to Roscommon and they will be desperate to pick up the points here.
Verdict: Tipperary
Sligo v Wexford
Markievicz Park
Sligo were hit with a sucker punch last week in Casement Park and they'll need two points here to rescue their league campaign. Wexford are fresh from a four-goal salvo against Cavan.
Verdict: Wexford
DIVISION 4
Limerick v London
Gaelic Grounds 1.0
THERE should be no problems for Limerick against an improving London side.
Verdict: Limerick
Carlow v Leitrim
Dr Cullen Park
God knows how they'll perform but we give Carlow the edge.
Verdict: Carlow
Fermanagh v Clare
Brewster Park
Clare could cause a shock but it's unlikely.
Verdict: Fermanagh
- Damian Lawlor
