Football Previews

Seán Moran looks forward to this weekend's NFL action

Today

Division Two A

Clare v Longford, Cusack Park, 2.30pm - Longford are looking an increasingly solid bet to bounce back into Division One, although it's salutary to remember that they were also three from three in the top flight a year ago before going into free fall. Clare have started badly and things won't improve today.

Division One A

Dublin v Westmeath, Parnell Park, 7.30pm - A mixed bag for Dublin in Tralee last week. The second-half recovery was heartening, but there were still problems. The defence again looked ragged and Tomás Quinn's dead-ball kicking, which had been so encouraging in the first two matches, collapsed on the night, triggering longer-term concerns.

On the plus side, the centrefield partnership of Ciarán Whelan and Shane Ryan was very effective while Declan Lally and Mark Vaughan gave glimpses of promise up front.

Westmeath picked up their first win against Donegal last weekend, but endured their own ropy moments at the back early in the game. Otherwise, it was satisfactory enough for Páidí Ó Sé who has been able to add some interesting new recruits to the panel that won the Leinster title. John Brennan is a useful central player. Back from self-imposed exile, Martin Flanagan's talents are indisputable, and Patrick Mulvihill has looked impressively direct and powerful.

The home side have mixed it with the division's top three sides to date and will be ready for this.

Tomorrow

(2.30pm unless stated)

Division One A

Offaly v Mayo, Tullamore - Offaly could do with some more points after gallant, but unproductive, visits to Tralee and Omagh. Accuracy was a problem last week and the quality of Tyrone's attack had them at sixes and sevens. Mayo's season is looking in better shape than John Maughan's downbeat expectations before the start had suggested.

Their forward play has been sparky and last year's under-21s, John Prenty and Aidan Kilcoyne, are serving their senior apprenticeships with distinction. A win here would almost clinch Mayo's Division One status for another year.

Donegal v Kerry, Ballybofey, 2pm - Injuries and assorted ill-luck have made this a rough campaign to date for Donegal, but the narrow defeat in Mullingar wasn't all negative with the return of Brendan Devenney and Adrian Sweeney - both out this weekend with soccer commitments and an ankle injury respectively - a sign that the team is returning to full strength up front to complement an experienced attack.

Kerry are, however, motoring with the assurance of champions. The All-Ireland defensive unit is back, with Séamus Moynihan rested, but the experimenting further up continues with Micheál Quirke and Darragh Ó Sé the latest combination to be tried.

As they slowly get back to fitness, Kerry look good enough for this.

Cork v Tyrone, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2pm - In last year's NFL Tyrone were quite impressed by Cork, who travelled to Omagh and eked out a draw, but to date the Ulster side have been more formidable than last year.

Stephen O'Neill is playing really well and Mickey Harte has been trying a few new options, as Tyrone apply themselves to the task of resuming winning ways.

Cork's season has slid from the high of coming off the ropes to flatten Kerry in the first match of the NFL to losing more comprehensively than the final three-point margin indicated.

Even with Owen Mulligan injured, the practised strengths - movement, pressure and finishing (17 points from play last week) - of the visitors should be too much for Cork.

Division One B

Armagh v Down, Crossmaglen - Diarmuid Marsden's retirement was expected, but still a matter of regret to Armagh. The announcement came in the week after a very encouraging performance in Portlaoise and a hard fought win.

Down's bubble burst last week after a strong start to the year, a form line which has been since qualified by the positions of Limerick and Sligo. They'll be more driven tomorrow, but that won't bridge the gap.

Kildare v Laois, Newbridge - Kildare's dam-burst of scoring after two disappointing outings puts them in better spirits for this visit of the neighbours. The centrefield battle should be a treat given that both units gave such strong displays last week.

Laois' forwards, however, have been clicking over a longer period this year. Stephen Kelly's return from exile has added to the scoring threat, whereas Ross Munnelly is flying. On balance, Laois have the edge.

Sligo v Wexford, Markievicz Park - Top meets bottom in all senses. Wexford's start to the season has been a turbo boost for their morale, bringing in wins against significant teams and placing them at the top of the table.

Sligo for their part have struggled in all matches and have leaked more goals than any other team in the NFL. Nicky Lambert's back for Wexford after a nasty injury picked up in last summer's championship. The upward trajectory to be maintained.

Limerick v Galway, Gaelic Grounds, 2.45pm - Limerick's troubled start to the season shows that, with limited resources, no team can afford injuries. The momentum established in last year's NFL has been reversed and Liam Kearns will be worried about the remainder of the league.

Avoiding relegation is important, but heading into the championship with morale intact is vital. Galway are Galway: whacked one week, whacking the next. This will be tighter, but the visitors get the nod.

Division Two A

London v Monaghan, Ruislip - Well beaten by Fermanagh last week, Monaghan will bounce back in this, as the attrition of constant defeat takes its toll on London.

Carlow v Leitrim, Dr Cullen Park - Carlow have been finding it difficult to get going in this campaign whereas Dessie Dolan has Leitrim going well. Away win.

Fermanagh v Roscommon, Enniskillen - Realistically this is the last promotion chance for both counties who have already dropped two points, but Roscommon's plight is more desperate. Fermanagh are back on track.

Division Two B

Cavan v Antrim, Kingspan Breffni Pk, 3.15pm - Bad reverse for Cavan last week, but they should bounce back tomorrow.

Louth v Tipperary, Drogheda - Tipperary showed great improvement against Meath whereas Louth picked up a first point. Home win.

Waterford v Derry, Walsh Park, 3.15 - Waterford's famous win over Tipp was followed by a thrashing. More to come we fear.

Meath v Wicklow, Páirc Tailteann - Meath wobbled last week, but can knock off another two points here.