Patrick Kennedy previews this weekend’s Allianz NFL Division 1 A & B matches.
Allianz NFL Division 1A
Cork v Dublin (Saturday)
Cork are still awaiting their first win of the NFL season and will be hoping to exploit the Dubs' supposed aversion to games away from the capital. If only things were that easy for the Rebels.
Dublin seem to have continued the progress that saw them capture the Leinster title last year. Though they are not as classy as they are hyped up to be, they should dispose of Cork without too much difficulty.
This game is unlikely to be an exhibition of flowing football, expect a tough encounter with the clinical aspect of Dublin play winning out.
Verdict: Dublin
Monaghan v Kerry
Monaghan will struggle to bounce back from last week's loss to Mayo as Kerry visit Scotstown on Sunday. The Farneymen are getting a rude introduction to life at the top of the League.
They were unable to build on the win over Dublin and are still seeking their second win of the campaign. That is more likely to come against Offaly or Cork as the Kingdom have too much experience and swagger to be conned by the Northern side.
Kerry should win out by four or five points with Monaghan battling all the way.
Verdict: Kerry
Offaly v Tyrone
Offaly are still holding out for their first win in their desperate bid to avoid a return to the lower tier of the NFL. They have, so far, seemed completely out of their depth in the top tier.
Tyrone, following a slow start, are beginning to get into gear and look ready to move away from the bottom of the table. Ryan McMenamin has been named at wing-forward but is likely to revert to a defensive role.
A quick look at the Tyrone bench shows the gap between these two sides as all of the Red hand substitutes would hold a starting place on the Offaly side.
Verdict: Tyrone
Mayo v Fermanagh
Fermanagh have done enough to ensure their survival in the top flight but are not likely to hold a candle to the form side of the division. Mickey Moran's rapid transformation of the Mayo side has been glorious to view.
Especially so when you consider that Kieran McDonald, their talisman for the last few years, has yet to don the red and gold this year.
The Ernesiders need to cut off the supply to the Mayo forwards and win possession in the midfield area if they are to threaten Mayo. Fail to do this and they could find themselves on the end of a heavy loss.
Allianz NFL Division 1B
Laois v Down
The Mourne men will be glad to welcome back Benny Coulter, though he was hardly missed in the hammering they gave to Wexford last weekend.
Laois need a win here to revitalise their hopes of reaching the business end of the competition. They seem to have become reliant on Donie Brennan as their seasoned forwards have yet to start finding their range.
For Down to secure a win they need to win midfield, stop the supply to Brennan and get Coulter in on goal as much as possible.
Verdict: Down
Wexford v Meath
The Wexford football bubble seems to have finally burst and their impressive home form has disappeared. It will take a miracle if they are to avoid the drop back to Division 2.
Meath on the other hand have been impressive since Eamonn Barry took over from Seán Boylan. Already they are being touted as possible favourite for the Leinster title and, with a win here, they will be placed nicely for a crack at the NFL crown.
John Hudson returns for Wexford but unless their new midfield partnership of Eric Bradley and Rory Stafford starts to click they have little to hope for here.
Verdict: Meath
Derry v Armagh
Derry are looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table, while Armagh need to win to keep their NFL hopes alive. These are the components for the game of the day.
Armagh have awoken from their mid-winter slumber and seem ready to rip apart whatever side comes in their way.
Derry have lorded it over all opponents they have far so far but their forwards will not enjoy much freedom from Mr Bellew and co. in the Armagh defensive unit.
Armagh should continue their mini-revival and don't rule out a League final between this pair.
Verdict: Armagh
Kildare v Galway
Two of Division 1A's lower sides come up against each other in a clash that will go a long way to determining where they spend next season.
Galway have been woeful in defence, something that Johnny Doyle and Tadgh Fenin will be hoping to capitalise on, and have yet to see their forwards click together. They are clearly missing their Salthill-Knocknacarra contingent.
Kildare also have worries in defence and Michael Meehan and Padraig Joyce pose a far bigger threat than Doyle or Joyce.
Both sides will already have one eye on the championship and whichever side shows hunger on the day should find little standing in their way.
Galway's forwards should prove the difference.
Verdict: Galway
