Donegal and Laois search for opening points

Two sides that tasted defeat in the opening round of the Allianz Football League will be desperate for points this weekend as Donegal host Laois.

Jim McGuinness’ side were beaten by a point in a thrilling match in Newry. In the high standard of Division 1, it is easy to fall into the danger of relegation so a home-match with the O’Moore men will be seen as must-win for McGuinness’ men.

The Division 2 win proved a great base for Donegal last year and it would be a shame to undo that work.

Kevin Cassidy’s exclusion is still lingering and a long injury list, added to by Martin McElhinney this week, is hampering their start to the year.

Jim McGuinness has spoken about what he sees as an unfair pressure from the media on his county. If Donegal fail to obtain one of the two wins they probably need to maintain their top-flight status this weekend, the problems they face will mount and the absence of Cassidy will be thrust further into focus.

After some positives in the O'Byrne Cup Shield, Laois failed to show what they can do against Mayo last week. Division 1 football is unforgiving and every game presents a big ask for the O'Moore men.

Their prospects this week will depend a lot on their free-taking and the form of their forwards. David Conway and Paul Cahillane will need to show the good work they produced in January to give them any sort of chance. But away from home, and still far from the fluid outfit needed to overcome Donegal, it may prove too much to handle.

Verdict: Donegal