Patrick Kenneddy gives his verdict on this Sunday's Allianz NFL Division 1 and 2 semi-finals.
ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 1 SEMI-FINALS
Mayo v Galway
An intriguing battle is in store at Castlebar as Connacht's big two square up to each other in a prelude to the summer action.
Galway's forwards have been destroying other teams at will in the last few weeks. However the journey to Castlebar should see this trend change.
Mayo proved they have the guile for the big matches when they held on for the draw against Tyrone to qualify for the semis. They are a more complete unit than the Tribesmen and are not reliant on a couple of superstars performing well.
Home advantage will see them cross the finish line in front on Sunday.
Verdict: Mayo
Kerry v Laois
Micko takes his Laois troops to Killarney to take on his native county in their quest for NFL honours. There will be very little between the sides but expect Kerry's experience to tell over the 70 minutes.
Laois are still on a learning curve and they are still a year or two off challenging for the Sam Maguire.
They can cause Kerry problems if they take the game to them in the first half but when the Gooch is performing in his home town it's hard to see anything other than a win for the Kingdom.
Verdict: Kerry
ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 2 SEMI-FINALS
Louth and Donegal should progress to the Division Two semi-finals on Sunday.
Limerick have completed their NFL mission by gaining promotion and now look to the Munster SFC for their next big challenge. They have to beat the Clare, Cork and Kerry if they are to end their trophy famine this summer so their attention should be firmly on that mission rather than laying waste to the wee county.
Donegal have been in awesome form over the NFL duration and Westmeath are still trying to regroup from the poor form that they showed last year. That difference should be enough to decide the outcome in Breffni Park.
Verdict: Louth and Donegal
