Home advantage should work in Derry’s favour

Derry v Wexford Owenbeg, 2pm

War or irrelevant skirmish, we shall see. Both teams have beaten Down so is it the one overrun by Westmeath or the one that troubled Donegal that will prevail?

Brian McIver's Derry should have enough to ease into the next round if they can curb the influence of Ben Brosnan and Ciarán Lyng.

There is no divine logic here, both teams come with decent credentials with qualifier form in Wexford's favour. It's the journey north that seems too much to overcome. Bring war, demanded Joe Brolly of his native county. Skill is only relevant if you can cope at battle speed. Anthony Masterson returns to the Wexford goal but Michael Furlong's hamstring rules him out.

“They were very impressive against Down,” said McIver. “Wexford are a very young side, very fit side, very mobile. They have a couple of outstanding players and not just this season – Ciarán Lyng and Ben Brosnan have been excellent footballers down the years.”

Verdict: Derry.