NIALL GARTLAND canvasses opinion on Saturday's round 4A qualifier between Fermanagh and Westmeath...
JOHN CLARKE (EX-DOWN FORWARD)
Fermanagh’s confidence and belief will be sky high after the Roscommon performance and win whereas Westmeath will be downbeat after the Leinster Final second half collapse. It’s the draw both teams wanted and Fermanagh now believe they can compete with the best. Their quality forward division oozes class none more so than Sean Quigley who is a scoring machine. His brilliance alongside wee Pete’s tactical know-how and genuine will be too strong for a Westmeath minus John Heslin.
Prediction: Fermanagh by five
CHRIS BREEN (EX-FERMANAGH GOALKEEPER)
The draw that both teams wanted at this stage of the competition and a game that both sides will feel they are more than capable of winning. I expect Westmeath to revert to their game plan of attacking football which they played against both Wexford and Meath. Fermanagh have the momentum going into this one having won their last two championship meetings and with Westmeath having little time to recover from their heavy defeat to Dublin along with the absence of John Heslin this is a game I expect Fermanagh to win by three or four points, given the extra quality Fermanagh will have.
Prediction: Fermanagh
JOHN HARAN (DONEGAL FORWARD)
I think it will be very close between two evenly matched teams. Fermanagh have momentum and confidence and will take beating. If Westmeath aren’t too damaged by the Leinster final defeat then they have a great chance. John Heslin is a massive loss and for this reason I go for Fermanagh, maybe after extra time.
Prediction: Fermanagh
ANTHONY McGRATH (EX-QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST MANAGER)
This is a very tough game to call. If John Heslin is injured for Westmeath I think that’s a significant blow and makes me question where their scores will come from. Quigley has been fantastic for Fermanagh but their reliance on him would be concerning and Westmeath will aim to counter that which should release space elsewhere for Fermanagh to exploit. If Fermanagh can win midfield and restrict the influence of Kieran Martin they should ask enough questions of the Westmeath defence.
Prediction: Fermanagh
GREGORY McCARTAN (EX-DOWN MIDFIELDER)
I think everyone is starting to see the value of Wee Pete! Fermanagh have been very impressive. Westmeath will probably be a stiffer test but I think the Erne men will progress by two points.
Prediction: Fermanagh
