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Allianz Football League final round permutations

Monaghan face a tricky away date against Tyrone
Monaghan face a tricky away date against Tyrone

Next weekend sees the final round of regulation matches in this year's Allianz Football League, with much to play for in terms of the make up of the the promotion semi-finals and who'll be involved in a relegation dogfight.

The condensed nature of this year's competition, where each division was spilt into two sections, was always going to leave us with more questions than answers at this juncture and so it has proven.

So let's look at the lie of the land across the eight sections.

Division 1 North

Saturday 29 May

Armagh v Donegal, Athletic Grounds, 7:30pm
Tyrone v Monaghan, Healy Park, 7.30pm

Monaghan need to garner full points against Tyrone to have any chance of avoiding the relegation play-offs. A win, coupled with Donegal bagging the two points away to Armagh, would see the Farney in the top tier again in 2022, thus extending their top-flight run for an eighth consecutive season.

Armagh, back in Division 1 for the first time since 2012, know that even a draw against Declan Bonner's side would be enough to keep them up if Monaghan defeated Tyrone. With both the Orchard County and the Farney then on three points, the former would be placed higher on the head-to-head rule, following on from their victory on the opening weekend.

A situation where Tyrone and Armagh finish level on points would favour the Red Hand on the head-to-head.

All four teams, quite simply, will be looking for the win on Saturday evening.

Division 1 South

Sunday 30 May

Galway v Dublin, Tuam Stadium, 3:45pm
Roscommon v Kerry, Dr Hyde Park, 3.45pm

Roscommon are heading for a relegation semi-final, while their neighbours Galway have to beat the Dubs to avoid going down the same route. Kerry will fancy their chances of topping the section when they head to Hyde Park.

Division 2 North

Sunday 30 May

Westmeath v Down, TEG Cusack Park, 1.45pm
Mayo v Meath, Elverys MacHale Park, 1.45pm

All straightforward here, with Mayo and Meath through to the promotion semi-finals. The pair meet in Castlebar to decide who will top the section.

Division 2 South

Sunday 30 May

Clare v Cork, Cusack Park, 1.45pm
Laois v Kildare, MW Hire O'Moore Park, 1,45pm

It's not looking good for Laois. Even if they were to beat Kildare and Clare accounted for Cork, an inferior scoring difference would not be in their favour, with three team then on two points.

Colm Collins is still producing the goods with the Banner and his side were full value for their win over Kildare in Newbridge. A superior scoring difference allied to their points total so far, leaves them well placed to make the promotion play-off.

Another Clare victory over the Rebels would leave Ronan McCarthy's side in a relegation scrap if Kildare avoid defeat at O'Moore Park.

Division 3 North

Saturday 29 May

Cavan v Derry, Kingspan Breffni, 3pm
Fermanagh v Longford, Brewster Park, 3pm

Fermanagh will fancy their chances of getting something at home to Longford, so the pressure will be on Cavan to get a win against in-form Derry.

The Oakleafers, with a score difference of +35, will be in the box seat if they, Cavan and Fermanagh all finish on four points. Fermanagh's stat of -17 does not bode well for them in that regard, though they would be favoured in the head-to-head if themselves and Cavan were to finish on three points.

Division 3 South

Saturday 29 May

Wicklow v Limerick, Aughrim 3pm
Offaly v Tipperary, Bord Na Móna O Connor Park 3pm

With Tipperary not being favoured in a head-head with Limerick, the Munster champions know that a win is vital against Offaly.

Wicklow, after a gutsy showing against Tipp at the weekend, still have a chance of promotion if they can beat Limerick and Offaly do likewise against the Premier. That said, the Garden County's scoring scoring return is inferior to the team above them, so it's a big ask.

John Maughan's Offaly have been the form team so far here. Being involved in the promotion mix will offer more valuable game time ahead of their Leinster opener aganst Louth.

Division 4 North

Sunday 30 May

Antrim v Leitrim, Corrigan Park, 3pm
Louth v Sligo, Haggardstown, 3pm

Antrim, after their last-gasp win over Sligo on Sunday, have secured a promotion semi-final berth. The outcome of the Yeats County's date with Mickey Harte's side will decide who'll join them.

Division 4 South

Saturday 29 May

Carlow v Wexford, Netwatch Cullen Park, 5pm

Wexford need a win to keep their hopes alive. Waterford's score difference of -14 not favouring them if the trio all end up on two points.

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