This weekend's SFC previews

Watch Armagh v Roscommon, Dublin v Derry, Kerry v Monaghan and Waterford v Limerick live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie/sport this weekend. Keep up to date with the latest action on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ Aertel

Séamus Leonard looks ahead to this weekend's Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.

All-Ireland SFC quarter-final
Dublin v Derry, Saturday, 11 August, Croke Park, 3pm

This game is bound to invoke memories of the 1993 All-Ireland semi-final which Derry famously won on their way to collecting Sam Maguire that year.

The current Derry side still seems a good distance off following Henry Downey and company up the steps of the Hogan Stand, but they have every chance of winning their way through to the last four.

Paddy Crozier's men bounced back well from their Ulster exit to Monaghan and took the hard route through the back door, seeing off Armagh, Mayo and Laois. They also have the advantage of having a virtually a full squad to pick from.

Corner-forward Paddy Bradley has played a pivotal role in Derry's victories to date and the Glenullin man could be the deciding factor come Saturday.

If the Dubs can keep the shackles on him, they will severely limit the Oak Leafers' scoring potential. However, if Bradley has a field day it could have grave implications for Paul Caffrey's men.

Caffrey has named an unchanged side. That means he has probably figured out what he believes is his best starting XV, which can only be a good thing for the side from the capital.

Tomás Quinn is left out again, with Mark Vaughan very much now first choice for the number 15 jersey. The Kilmacud Crokes clubman's no nonsense free-taking style is refreshing, and seems a lot more reliable than Quinn's.

'Mossie' did come on and score a point in the Leinster final victory over Laois. The way his team-mates heralded his score, at a stage when the result was beyond doubt, said a lot about the spirit in the Dublin camp.

It was widely noted that the Metropolitans suffered by not having a really tough game before they met Mayo in last year's All-Ireland semi-final. That will not be the case this year, as Derry are sure to offer a stern test.

Dublin should be just about good enough to pass this time.    

Verdict: Dublin

All-Ireland SFC quarter-final
Kerry v Monaghan, Sunday, 12 August, Croke Park, 2pm

Is it better to win a provincial title and be forced to wait a number of weeks to play your quarter-final, or is it better to face the treacherous energy-sapping back door route?

There is no scientific evidence to prove which situation is better to be in. It is hard to see The Kingdom taking Monaghan, a side that destroyed Donegal in the last round of the qualifiers, for granted. But a six-week gap between games could result in Pat O'Shea's men being a little slow out of the blocks.

They had a tough time of it against Cork in the Munster final but produced two fantastic late points to reclaim the provincial title. Kieran Donaghy was the scorer of one of the two crucial points, as he answered questions surrounding his ability to regain the excellent form he showed en route to an All-Ireland medal last year.

Monaghan need a good start if they to have any chance of upsetting the odds. Manager Seamus McEneaney pulled a master stoke by moving Vincent Corey from full-back to full-forward in the last two games. Corey has fostered an excellent relationship with Tommy Freeman, while Ciaran Hanratty is always a danger in the other corner.

The Farney will not be found lacking in effort on Sunday, but continued wastefulness in front of goal will mitigate against them.

These are two sides that play open, attractive football, which offers the prospect of a classic encounter emerging from the tie. The Ulster side have had a fabulous year and a win over Kerry would elevate them to legends in the Monaghan GAA annals.

However, Kerry still look a class apart from everyone else and will be keen to reach yet another All-Ireland semi-final.

Verdict: Kerry