Westmeath v Laois Preview

Quite simply, Westmeath have to pick up two points here if they are to have chance in staying in the second tier.

Their performance against Meath will have given them heart, and they face a Laois side not exactly brimming with confidence at the moment.

Without the likes of Dennis Glennon and Dessie Dolan, the Lake county have struggled, though manager Brendan Hackett will be pleased that Martin Flanagan has returned to training this week.

The Laois side sees Denis Booth taking over at full-back with Mark Timmons moving out to the No 6 position. Billy Sheehan will start in the half-forward line, while Donal Kingston will occupy the full-forward berth.

The meeting at Mullingar should be keenly contested, and if Westmeath can kick on from their effort against Meath, then they can feel confident about claiming full points.

Yet, their rivals will be keen to make a statement, so expect a game of championship proportions that may very well go the wire. Home advantage may just swing the initiative here.

Verdict: Westmeath