Allianz Football League

Compiled by SEAN MORAN

TODAY – Division One

Dublin v Cork, Croke Park, 7.30 (Live, Setanta)– The weekend's big event brings together two teams who did very well in their first league outings. Cork's narrow win in Tralee was satisfying and whereas Dublin's raid on Armagh yielded a less-treasured scalp, any win on the road is worthwhile. The only stage on which Cork haven't beaten Kerry regularly in recent times is of course the All-Ireland series, but to do so in an away match was still a notable achievement, considering they hadn't managed to win a regulation league match across the border since 1977 or in the championship since 1995.

The strength of the Cork panel has created championship dilemmas in arriving at a first-choice 15, but it’s been a blessing in the league and since Conor Counihan took over almost three years ago his teams have lost just one match a season.

Today, Cork have 10 of their championship team on show and the return of Michael Shields gives an option if Ray Carey struggles on Bernard Brogan.

It was noticeable in Armagh that Dublin spread the scoring more evenly and that will create pressure on the holders. Pat Gilroy’s unavailability problems are most keenly felt at centrefield with both the newly-liberated Eamonn Fennell and Ross McConnell still recovering from injury. The game has the potential to match the occasion and Dublin can rise to the challenge.

Division Two

Tyrone v Donegal, Healy Park, 7.30 (Live Setanta 1) – There's pressure on the Ulster champions after that defeat by Derry and they can't afford to lose again and hope to stay on course for promotion. Mickey Harte's selection options are so curtailed that he couldn't name a full panel although Owen Mulligan is back in training and starts on the bench this evening. Donegal struggled to get a point against Sligo and have lost Kevin Cassidy (away) and Rory Kavanagh (injury). Tyrone should take the points.

Division Four

Fermanagh v Longford, Brewster Park, 7.30– Longford did very well to pull a point out of the fire against Roscommon but understrength, and playing away, have a major task here as Fermanagh opened their campaign with an impressive away win in Carlow.

TOMORROW (Matches at 2.30 unless stated) – Division One

Mayo v Kerry, McHale Park– Both counties are in trial mode: Mayo with a new manager and Jack O'Connor looking for some viable youthful infusions to supplement his ageing team. He's also trying out a retread with Eoin Brosnan out of retirement and named at centre back. Colm Cooper is back after club activity and will link up with the promising David Geaney. Mayo were resilient against Down and have a good chance against the sprightly but inexperienced visitors.

Down v Galway, Páirc Esler– Down's regrets from week one are that they let Mayo off the hook. Galway's misgivings are more fundamental. This week's news about withdrawals from the panel was just punctuation to the disappointing story in Clones where their performance was abject. Down looked quite good on their return to the top division and have to be favourites.

Armagh v Monaghan, Athletic Grounds –Although losing to Dublin, Armagh registered a big improvement on their poor pre-season and get the opportunity now to set the record straight against the other county that beat them in last year's championship.

If Gareth Swift maintains the form of two weeks ago and Steven McDonnell continues to pick up, the home team have the firepower to take their first points.

Division Two

Laois v Antrim, O'Moore Park– A buoyant Laois display on the opening weekend proved too much for Meath and it's hard to see much comfort for the visitors in this given their comprehensive defeat at home by Kildare.

Meath v Sligo, Páirc Tailteann –Sligo gave a good account of themselves for most of the trip to Ballybofey and were unlucky not to take both points. Adrian Marron and David Kelly got scores and will bother Meath's defence but at the other end the home team should do enough.

Kildare v Derry, St Conleth's Park, Newbridge– Match of the day in the division. Both teams have been impressive since the season started and won their opening fixtures. Home advantage puts Kildare in the driving seat.

Division Three

Louth v Tipperary, Drogheda Park– Good win for Tipp against Limerick means a test for Louth who have struggled over the past two years to follow up good pre-seasons with league delivery. Benefit of the doubt says they can change that.

Offaly v Wexford, O'Connor Park, 2.45– Rehearsal for the championship where Wexford's high-scoring full forwards give them a good chance.

Waterford v Limerick, Fraher Field– Limerick need to get on track and should manage that.

Westmeath v Cavan, Cusack Park– Weather didn't allow Westmeath out of the traps two weeks ago but they should take the points here against an anaemic -looking Cavan.

Division Four

Kilkenny v Leitrim, St Lachtain's, Freshford –Good week for Leitrim with Emlyn Mulligan starting tomorrow and Barry McWeeney having his red card rescinded. No such breaks for Kilkenny.

Roscommon v Carlow, Dr Hyde Park– Home advantage should give Roscommon the edge against a Carlow side missing the injured Brendan Murphy.

Wicklow v London, Aughrim, 1.0– Wicklow to make it back-to-back wins against the improved visitors.