With three Ulster counties in action in this weekend's qualifiers, Niall Gartland canvasses opinion on Twitter
Tyrone vs Meath
Niall McKeever (Antrim midfielder)
Tyrone to continue their winning ways with a narrow victory over Meath. Home advantage and the loss of Paddy O’Rourke will bode well for the Red Hands. Meath, however, are a proud county and will put up a brave fight following a defeat to neighbours Westmeath.
Prediction: Tyrone by four.
Conor Quigley (ex-Fermanagh defender)
I feel Meath are up against it against a confident Tyrone team but I think they are out to prove a point after that surprise loss to Westmeath. I feel they will do that against Tyrone but will probably fall a little short as Tyrone at home are never easy to beat. It will be close and I think Tyrone will win by one or two points.
Prediction: Tyrone
Anthony McGrath (ex-Queen’s Belfast University manager)
On paper I'd say there's not much between these two sides but that's where the similarity ends. The Meath second half collapse against Westmeath was disastrous and suggests mental deficiencies and a serious lack of control in their game plan. I can see Meath setting up tentatively but Tyrone will have too much in attack. Tyrone to win.
Prediction: Tyrone
John Clarke (ex-Down forward)
It's a tough draw for Meath but in a way it's the perfect chance to answer their critics as this is when Meath teams are at their most dangerous. Home advantage isn't a huge advantage for Tyrone as their recent Healy Park record isn't great. That said they have quality throughout the team with the evergreen Sean Cavanagh leading the way. If Tyrone can curtail Meath’s pacey attack early on I feel they will run out winners - but you can never write off Meath completely.
Prediction: Tyrone
Derry vs Wexford
Kevin McGuckin (ex-Derry defender)
For me the Derry team should have taken some good belief from the Donegal game. They were defensively sound and on another day they may have taken a few more of their chances and have sneaked over the line. I think they should be strong enough for Wexford on Saturday but it won't be straightforward. Wexford have a lot of talented footballers and won't fear the game in Celtic Park and Derry will need to show them respect - but not too much!
Prediction: Derry by four.
Chris Breen (ex-Fermanagh goalkeeper)
Wexford are coming off the back of a confidence-boosting win over Down whilst Derry will feel that they let the opportunity of an Ulster final slip through their grasp. However, with home advantage and the experience of Division 1 this season I'm expecting Derry to win by four or five points.
Prediction: Derry
Armagh vs Galway
John Haran (ex-Donegal forward)
This will be very close and extra time is possible. Armagh struggled against Wicklow for long spells and Galway will be much better than that. Galway have good forwards and will get scores. Armagh will need to improve on their last two games to beat Galway. Jamie Clarke scored two goals vs Wicklow and might need to repeat that for Armagh to win. I have a feeling Galway might just beat them on Saturday in a very close match.
Prediction: Galway
Aaron Cunningham (ex-Armagh forward)
This game promises to be a battle. Galway’s long lay-off since their Connacht defeat may work in Armagh’s favour. They’re two teams with a lot to prove - I fancy Armagh to squeeze through, but only if they are let off the shackles and are more attack-minded.
Prediction: Armagh
Kevin McGuigan (ex-Down defender)
I think it will be a very close game and could go either way – I think home advantage could sway it for Armagh but only just.
Prediction: Armagh
