Allianz FL Division Two
Galway v Kildare
(Sunday, Pearse Stadium, 2pm)
IF Galway avoid defeat here, they will meet Kildare once again in next week’s final. The Lilywhites are already up, but Galway could still be caught by Meath. A loss here and a Royal win against Clare would see the Tribesmen miss out on the head-to-head rule. Cian O’Neill should rest some players with next week’s final in mind, and Galway can take advantage.
Odds: H: 1/6 D: 12/1 A: 5/1
Verdict: Galway
Clare v Meath
(Sunday, Cusack Park, 2pm)
ALL Meath can do is win and hope that Kildare do them a favour against Galway, but they will have their work cut out to beat a Clare side that has won their two previous home games, against Down and Cork. The Royals suffered a huge blow as Alan Forde suffered a cruciate injury in the 3-16 to 0-6 win over Fermanagh last week. The Banner men could be dragged into the relegation battle if they lose.
Odds: H: 13/8 D: 15/2 A: 4/6
Verdict: Clare
Allianz FL Division Three
Louth v Sligo
(Sunday, Gaelic Grounds, 2pm)
AFTER suffering a trimming at the hands of Armagh, few would have expected Louth to do anything in Thurles last week, but Colin Kelly’s side were deserving winners and already have promotion in the bag. A poor home loss to Offaly last week means that Sligo are not in the promotion picture – although Armagh’s scoring difference meant that it would have been an almost impossible job even if they had defeated the Faithful men.
Odds: H: 9/4 D: 15/2 A: 4/9
Verdict: Louth
Offaly v Laois
(Sunday, O’Connor Park, 2pm)
THE relegation race is set for a dramatic conclusion with four teams on four points, including these two sides. Both are coming in off morale-boosting wins, Laois fending off Longford at a windy O’Moore Park and Offaly leaving Markievicz Park with a much-deserved 2-14 to 2-10 win over Sligo, Nigel Dunne and David Hanlon with their goals.
Odds: H: 13/8 D: 15/2 A: 4/6
Verdict: Laois
Allianz FL Division Four
Leitrim v Waterford
(Saturday, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 4.30pm)
A MID-TABLE scrap with nothing really at stake apart from a confidence-booster to bring into Championship season. After opening with two wins, Waterford have lost four on the trot while manager Tom McGlinchey will be without key man Patrick Hurney for the next few weeks due to work commitments. Leitrim have won two of their last three games.
Odds: H: 2/7 D: 8/1 A: 10/3
Verdict: Leitrim
Carlow v Wexford
(Sunday, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1pm)
CARLOW’S shock loss to London midway through the season means that they can’t catch second-placed Wexford, which is a big disappointment for Turlough O’Brien’s side. The Model county will have one eye on next weekend’s final against Westmeath, as they had in last week’s 24-point loss to the Lake county.
Odds: H: 11/8 D: 15/2 A: 8/11
Verdict: Wexford
Westmeath v London
(Sunday, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm)
WESTMEATH have looked far too strong for this division with only Carlow, who earned a late draw, stopping them from winning six games from six. John Heslin has been in superb form and London won’t be able to stop them tomorrow. The Exiles have only two points on board
Odds: H: 1/12 D: 16/1 A: 13/2
Verdict: Westmeath
Limerick v Wicklow
(Sunday, Newcastlewest, 3pm)
ANOTHER dead-rubber between two teams that have not met expectations. Limerick are searching for a fourth straight win, but three defeats before that ensures that they have nothing to play for. Wicklow’s only win has been against London, which should ensure that they don’t finish last in the table.
Odds: H: 1/6 D: 12/1 A: 9/2
Verdict: Limerick
