There is a lot at stake in the Allianz NFL this weekend with just two rounds of games to go. Barry Whyte takes a look at how he expects things to shape up.
NFL Division 1A
Kerry v Tyrone
It's a must-win game for Tyrone as they take the trip to Kerry in this Allianz NFL Division 1A clash in Tralee, throw-in at 7.30pm on Saturday.
Kerry have Declan O'Sullivan back in training ahead of the game, but this boost is far outweighed by the news that they've lost Kieran Donaghy for eight weeks with a shoulder injury, they will be missing their Dr Crokes contingent and perhaps much of their support on Saturday night, and the likelihood that manager Pat O'Shea will be understandably distracted ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland Club final.
The Kingdom are in a bit of a slump, and defeat to leaders Donegal last week will have been a blow to their confidence. This weekend does not provide the ideal situation to bounce back.
Nonetheless, Tyrone are also in a slump of their own, and they're in grave peril if they don't add to the points they picked up against Limerick last weekend. Moreover, they've gotten themselves involved in a petty little row over the McKenna Cup and the fielding of ineligible players.
But Harte's men need these points far more than a decidedly distracted Kingdom. Kerry, on paper, should win, but don't be at all surprised if they roll tamely over to Tyrone.
Verdict: Tyrone
Fermanagh v Cork
It's the fight to avoid Division 3 as bottom-sides Fermanagh and Cork meet in Clones in Allianz NFL Division 1A, throw in at 3.30pm on Sunday.
Fermanagh were hammered by Dublin last week under lights in Parnell Park, and it is safe to say they'll be in the newly-formed Division 3 next season.
Cork are having a poor season too, but they should be able to pull themselves out of their slump and at least manage to secure a spot in Division 2. Anything less would be a seismic disaster for the Rebels.
Fermanagh boss Charlie Mulgrew's comments about Dublin's physicality should have tipped them off ahead of this game; if they boss the game from the start, they should get two crucial points. But it's a long road for the Rebels if they don't want to follow this weekend's opponents through the big trap door.
A Cork win should be assured here, but it guarantees nothing down the line.
Verdict: Cork
Mayo v Dublin
It's a must-win game for Dublin if they want to have a chance to make it to the semi-finals as they take the trip to Castlebar to face Mayo in the Allianz NFL Division 1A, throw-in at 3.30pm.
The Dubs will be hoping to capitalise on their whopping victory over Fermanagh, but they'll have to start this game without Ciaran Whelan, and the side remains the same as the one that cruised to a 17 point win on Saturday.
Mayo, meanwhile, have their own injury worries, worries that extend far beyond the league; Ciaran McDonald may not be fit for Mayo's Championship opener, so the team remains the same as it was for last
Saturday's match against Cork, which they narrowly won thanks to Aidan Kilcoyne's last minute point.
This is a crucial game for both sides, the clichéd four pointer. If Mayo win they'll open up a gap that Dublin will struggle to close, and if Dublin win they'll have dragged Mayo to parity. The sides are evenly matched, but expect Mayo's greater desire to win out.
Verdict: Mayo
Limerick v Donegal
It's crunch-time for Limerick as they play host to high-flying Donegal in Páirc na nGael in the Allianz NFL Division 1A, throw in at 1.45pm on Sunday.
Limerick have struggled to finish off sides this year, despite playing some good football and giving opponents some tough tests. Unfortunately, all the effort has produced just two points and they face a monumental battle with Cork to ensure that they don't end up in Division 3.
Mickey Ned O'Sullivan will be without Andrew Lane, who broke his jaw during a challenge match recently, and he'll miss the rest of the league campaign.
Donegal, for their part, will be missing Neil Gallagher and Colm McFadden, but if Brendan Devenney can turn in a performance like he did against Kerry last weekend then Donegal won't have too much trouble dispensing with Limerick's threat.
Verdict: Donegal
NFL Division 1B
Laois v Armagh
The close nature of matters in Division 1B of the Allianz NFL means that Armagh are still in with a chance, albeit a mathematical one, of reaching the knock-out stages if they beat Laois, throw-in at 7.30pm on Saturday.
Kieran McGeeney returns to bolster the Orchard County's chances of a win under the O'Moore Park lights. However, they are still without the Crossmaglen contingent who have their All-Ireland SFC All-Ireland Club final replay at the same venue on Sunday.
The return of McGeeney may not be enough against a Laois side that were unlucky away to Derry last weekend. A late Conleth Gilligan point denied them the opportunity to enter this tie on top of the table.
The Laois full-back line will have to tighten up considerably on its performance last weekend. If Steven McDonnell is afforded the same freedom as Paddy Bradley he will punish them.
Laois should make the most of the home venue to record the win though.
Verdict: Laois
Down v Derry
Though they both sit at the bottom of Allianz NFL Division 1B, Derry are in a significantly better position than Down as they meet in Newcastle, throw-in 3.30pm on Sunday.
Despite the appearance the table might give, the Oak Leaf men are closer to the top than the bottom. Only two points separate them from the top spot, and the latter stages of the league are going to be a dogfight. But they'll need to take points this weekend.
The only team that won't be taking part in any dogfight at the end will be Down. Boss Ross Carr has been giving out about how his side was robbed of two points against Armagh last week in Crossmaglen. They were beaten by just two points, and Carr reckons insufficient injury time was played to allow his charges gain parity. In the end, it will all prove irrelevant, as Down are going, well, down.
Derry got an early fright against Laois last weekend and they managed to drag the match back level at 1-11 apiece. They should go into this game with concentrated minds, in the knowledge that a win here will be vital to their semi-final hopes.
Verdict: Derry
Louth v Galway
It's ridiculously tight at the top of the Allianz NFL Division 1A, but it's likely to open up after this weekend, and Louth take on Galway in Dowdallshill on Sunday to decide which of them will be part of the breakaway group, throw-in 2.00pm.
Galway will be missing Diarmuid Blake, who picked up a hamstring injury last Sunday against Westmeath, but Peter Forde will have Declan Meehan as cover.
Louth were beaten by an impressive points haul by Kildare's John Doyle and Emmet Bolton last weekend, but they did themselves no favours by notching 11 wides in the first half. Darren Clarke had a shot rebound off the post in the first half too, which didn't help.
If they can tighten up their shooting it'll give them a great shout against a Galway side that have been misfiring. The sense of having left the points behind in Newbridge could be enough to motivate Louth, but the smart money's on Galway.
Verdict: Galway
Westmeath v Kildare
Kildare will be hoping for a win that will strengthen their position at the top of Division 1B of the Allianz NFL when they go to Cusack Park to take on Westmeath, throw-in at 3.30pm on Sunday.
Having John Doyle fit is worth two or three players to Kildare, but they're no one-man team: they've been playing solid football under John Crofton and Kildare fans will be hoping that some of the woeful performances they've turned in at Croker in recent years are behind them.
Westmeath, meanwhile, allowed their concentration to slip at the end of their clash with Galway and the Tribesmen ran out winners by six points.
The momentum is with Kildare and unless Westmeath can close down Doyle, the Lilywhites should be able to make it to nine points in 1B.
Verdict: Kildare
