Division 2A
Derry v Antrim
(Sunday, Celtic Park, 2pm)
NOTHING short of promotion will suffice for Antrim and PJ O’Mullan has named a very strong side for their trip to Celtic Park. Liam Watson makes a welcome return to the NHL, as does Eddie McCloskey, who will operate on the other side of the half-forward line.
Derry are without retired trio Liam Hinphey, Kevin Hinphey and Ruairi McCloskey, but Paddy Kelly is back on board for manager Tom McLean.
Odds: H: 10/3 D: 10/1 A: 1/4
Verdict: Antrim
Kildare v Carlow
(Sunday, Newbridge, 2pm)
KILDARE were far too strong in Division 2B last year and 2A appears more like their level.
Carlow are a significant step up though from last year and Pat English’s side are being talked about as possible promotion candidates. Newbridge could prove a lot trickier than anticipated, but they should still find a way to leave with both points.
Odds: H: 11/4 D: 10/1 A: 3/10
Verdict: Carlow
London v Westmeath
(Sunday, Ruislip, 2pm)
WESTMEATH were in good scoring form in the Walsh Cup, averaging 18 points a game, including 0-17 in the 10-point loss to Galway. It’s clear that it’s at the back where work must be done, as was evident in last year’s 2A final, when they conceded 5-17 to Kerry.
London avoided relegation last year due to having a better scoring difference than Wicklow, and safety will be their number one goal. They need to make their home games count, but it’s unlikely to start well.
Odds: H: 6/1 D: 14/1 A: 1/12
Verdict: Westmeath
Division 2B
Armagh v Down
(Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 2pm)
ARMAGH have reportedly had a very encouraging pre-season, with a number of young players ready to make the step up this season. Sylvester McConnell’s side will have circled this game from way out and they should be highly motivated.
Down have been quiet in the build-up but, given their near misses in recent years, they’ll feel that now is the time to escape Division 2B.
Odds: H: 9/4 D: 10/1 A: 4/11
Verdict: Down
Mayo v Donegal
(Sunday, McHale Park, 2pm)
ARDAL McDERMOTT has replaced Ray Durack as Donegal boss and he’ll be hoping to continue the good work carried out by his predecessor in recent years. A draw with Down in the Conor McGurk tournament was a good boost. Their forward line in that game included Danny Cullen, Lee Henderson, Kevin Campbell and Ronan McDermott - and that, in itself, should give them a chance of springing a few surprises.
Mayo were not overly impressive at home last year, but they should still prove too strong for the Tir Chonaill men. This was the same fixture as last year, with Mayo winning on a 3-14 to 1-12 scoreline.
Odds: H: 1/3 D: 10/1 A: 5/2
Verdict: Donegal
Wicklow v Meath
(Sunday, Arklow, 2pm)
WICKLOW lost their first four games last year in Division 2A, but the chances of them having to wait that long in the tier below are between slim and none. Indeed, despite being underdogs, they could very well better Meath on Sunday.
The Royal county lost on their last visit to Arklow - in 2014 - and could be set for the same fate on Sunday.
Odds: H: 13/8 D: 9/1 A: 8/15
Verdict: Wicklow
