Sport

Predictions: Impressive Cork can win at Ballyshannon

Dublin take on Mayo in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland semi-final, which the Dubs won in a replay at Croke Park
Dublin take on Mayo in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland semi-final, which the Dubs won in a replay at Croke Park Dublin take on Mayo in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland semi-final, which the Dubs won in a replay at Croke Park

DIVISION ONE

Mayo v Dublin

(tonight, McHale Park, 7pm, live on Setanta Ireland)

EVEN with a raft of players missing, Mayo were awful in last week’s nine-point loss to Cork. Dublin were six-point winners against Kerry in a free-flowing game, but the margin of victory should have been much greater.

Odds: H: 7/2 D: 10/1 A: 2/7

Verdict: Dublin

Donegal v Cork

(tomorrow, Ballyshannon, 2pm, deferred coverage on TG4)

DONEGAL couldn’t have asked for a better start to their League campaign after last weekend’s 17-point win over Down. Now they are attempting to do something they couldn’t manage in Division One last year, back-to-back victories. Cork were equally as impressive in their 1-18 to 0-12 dismantling of Mayo.

Odds: H: 4/6 D: 13/2 A: 7/4

Verdict: Cork

Kerry v Roscommon

(tomorrow, 2pm, Fitzgerald Stadium, live on TG4)

ROSCOMMON couldn’t hold out against Monaghan last weekend, conceding 1-1 in injury time, and a defeat in Kerry would leave them in the heart of a relegation battle. Marc O Se, Kieran Donaghy, Colm Cooper and James O’Donoghue are missing for Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s side.

Odds: H: 3/10 D: 9/1 A: 7/2

Verdict: Kerry

Monaghan v Down

(tomorrow, 2pm, St Tiernach’s Park)

IT’S situation critical time for Down as their odds to be relegated were slashed after last week’s thumping at the hands of Donegal. Donal O’Hare will also miss this game due to suspension. Monaghan will again be without Paul Finlay, but should have too much.

Odds: H: 1/4 D: 17/2 A: 4/1

Verdict: Monaghan

DIVISION TWO

Armagh v Laois

(tonight, Athletic Grounds, 7pm, live on Setanta Sports 1)

AFTER opening day losses, both these sides arebadly in need of points.. Brendan Donaghy drops out for Armagh through injury while Ciaran McKeever and Kevin Dyas remain out. Laois were awful in their eight-point loss to Galway, and the absence of Ross Munnelly, John O’Loughlin and Colm Begley doesn’t help their cause.

Odds: H 1/2: D: 15/2 A: 9/4

Verdict: Armagh

Cavan v Derry

(tonight, Kingspan Breffni Park, 7pm)

CAVAN’S spirited tug-of-war with Tyrone last week may have ended in a two-point defeat, but it would have renewed optimism for the season ahead. Derry overcame a sluggish start to see off Fermanagh at Celtic Park last Sunday, and another win here would leave their promotion push firmly on track. This is a game that should reveal a lot about where they are at currently.

Odds: H: 5/4 D: 7/1 A: 10/11

Verdict: Cavan

Fermanagh v Meath

(tomorrow, 2pm, Brewster Park)

BREWSTER Park was a bit of a fortress last year as Fermanagh didn’t lose a game there, but they are facing a Meath side that will be full of confidence after seeing off Armagh last week. Fermanagh’s main threat lies in the full-forward line with Sean Quigley and the Corrigan brothers, Tomas and Ruairi, set to prove a dangerous inside line – something Meath didn’t face last week.

Odds: H: 13/8 D: 15/2 A: 4/6

Verdict: Fermanagh

Galway v Tyrone

(tomorrow, 2pm, Pearse Stadium)

GALWAY sauntered to an easy win away to Laois with some free-flowing football last weekend while Tyrone were ponderous and defensive in their two-point win over Cavan. It points to a home victory, but the Red Hands, without Sean Cavanagh once more, should be much improved.

Odds: H: 11/8 D: 15/2 A: 4/5

Verdict: Galway