GAA weekend previews: Throw-in times, TV details, team news

Saturday

Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final

NUI Galway v UL, IT Carlow, 3.15 - Both needed extra time in their semi-finals, as favourites NUIG lost a 10-point lead to neighbours GMIT before rallying and UL's Mikey Kiely pulled it out of the fire against IT Carlow. NUIG's firepower with Cian Lynch and Evan Niland gives them the edge in completing their first double since 1980.

Verdict: NUIG

Allianz football league Division One

UL Fitzgibbon hopes still on track after dramatic last puck victory over IT Carlow

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Séamus Hickey on why Limerick aren’t dirty but do stray over the line

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Ciarán Murphy: Club finals do romance better than most – no matter the date

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‘Now we’re the ones chasing the rest’: Dean Rock relishing new Dublin challenge

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Armagh v Monaghan, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 5.30 (BBC iPlayer and GAAGO) - Armagh's previously leaky defence has curtailed - if not quite eliminated - its more flaithiúlach qualities. Now top of the league with the best scoring difference, their attack, with Rian O'Neill, Jason Duffy et al rampant, is the talk of the country and the most productive in the league. Greg McCabe loses out to suspension after the scatter with Tyrone. Monaghan can be relied on to curb the flowing moves but need to do better at the other end where their accuracy has been woeful.

Verdict: Armagh

Dublin v Mayo, Croke Park, 7.30 (RTE2) - Dublin were slightly better in Tralee than on opening night but their defence is still a swinging door, thanks to really slack organisation. The big names are still struggling for form and if the argument is that they really need the points, it's unlikely to play convincingly with Mayo. The big hope is the team Mayo have selected. Pádraig O'Hora is on the bench, as are the Sigerson finalists Eoghan McLaughlin (UL) and Fionn McDonagh (NUIG). Missing are Paddy Durcan, Brendan Harrison and Jason Doherty, presumed injured.

Verdict: Dublin

AFL Division Three

Antrim v Wicklow, Corrigan Park, 2.0 - Antrim were set back last time out by Limerick's impressive showing. Wicklow have scrapped away but the home side have to be favoured here.

Verdict: Antrim

Fermanagh v Laois, Brewster Park, 6.0 - Postponed due to unplayable pitch

AFL Division Four

Carlow v Waterford, Cullen Park, 7.0 - Two victims of London so far, Waterford have looked a bit better.

Verdict: Waterford

Sunday

AFL Division One

Kerry v Donegal, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1.45 (Live, TG4) - Both teams have had mixed displays to date. Donegal are resting Michael Murphy , which is always good news for opponents. Kerry have blown hot and cold - they incinerated Dublin in the second quarter but almost put up a cricket-style declaration after half-time. Declan Bonnar is also expected to have Dara Ó Baoill and Hugh McFadden back. A decent test for both sides but home advantage likely to hold.

Verdict: Kerry

Tyrone v Kildare, Healy Park, 3.45 (Live, TG4) - The All-Ireland champions' minds are likely to be concentrated by the loss of four front liners including their captain and current FOTY to suspension. Still struggling back to match sharpness, Tyrone will need to step it up, as Kildare have proved really competitive on their return. Injury concerns over Kevin Feely are a worry and this will be an exercise in claustrophobic physicality, given the pressure on the home side.

Verdict: Tyrone

AFL Division Two

Derry v Cork, Owenbeg, 1.0 (Deferred, TG4, 5.35) - Derry have lived up to their billing as promotion favourites whereas Cork have struggled. Keith Ricken brings in some of Finbarr's players after their club run. Former county hurler Billy Hennessy is rewarded for some good displays at centre back. The long commute for this one is unlikely to be rewarding.

Verdict: Derry

Meath v Down, Páirc Tailteann, 2.0 - A bit of a four-pointer earlier than certainly Meath would have wanted, particularly with their centrefield, Ronan Jones and Brian Menton in dry dock. Down gave a better account against Galway than Meath managed and this could get stressful for the home side.

Verdict: Meath

Galway v Offaly, Pearse Stadium, 2.0 - Galway football got a bounce during the week with a first Sigerson in 19 years for NUIG. With Paul Conroy in top form they'll be expected to take these points, as Offaly struggle to get to grips with football in the division.

Verdict: Galway

Roscommon v Clare, Dr Hyde Park, 2.0 - Roscommon to come out on top against Colm Collins's warriors for whom Keelan Sexton nearly took the points in Cork. Cathal Heneghan's early season form for Roscommon was franked in NUIG's Sigerson win, although he may be rested here.

Verdict: Roscommon

AFL Division Three

Limerick v Louth, Connacht Centre of Excellence 3G, 1.0 - Limerick's table topping exploits, underwritten by a flair for goals, make them favourites against a Louth team yet to win in this echo of the very first All-Ireland final.

Verdict: Limerick

Westmeath v Longford, TEG Cusack Park, 2.0 - Westmeath took an impressive step towards promotion and possible Sam Maguire status by beating Laois. They should also take this against winless Longford

Verdict: Westmeath

AFL Division Four

Leitrim v London, Páirc Mac Diarmada, 12.0 - London's good start to come unstuck against Andy Moran's resurgent Leitrim.

Verdict: Leitrim

Sligo v Cavan, Markievicz Park, 2.0 - Challenge for Cavan given Sligo's strong start.

Verdict: Cavan

Wexford v Tipperary, Wexford Park, 2.0 - Basement struggle with maybe Tipp getting back on track.

Verdict: Tipperary