NFL Previews

A win here would turn around Dublin's humdrum season. If last year's NFL was about stabilising and developing confidence, this campaign has seen Paul Caffrey sift through potential players. Mark Vaughan gets his first start of the league.

Mayo have been a revelation in the way they've gelled under new management so quickly. A win here would guarantee a semi-final spot.

Dublin's best displays over the past two NFL seasons have come in floodlit matches at Parnell Park and there is a temptation to keep faith with that, particularly as Mayo are understrength, but that would be to disregard the strong trends of the matches to date. Away win.

Tomorrow

(Matches at 3.30 unless stated)

Tyrone v Kerry, Omagh, 2pm, (Deferred broadcast TG4) - Their recent meetings in the league may not have had the epochal quality of their championship matches, but they have been pretty interesting all the same. Kerry are within touching distance of the semi-finals, while Tyrone have slowly reassembled their full panel, with captain Brian Dooher back on the bench tomorrow.

Despite the fact Kerry should have the motivational edge, Tyrone are on the move and can add another green-and-yellow scalp to their belt.

Cork v Fermanagh, Páirc Uí Rinn - Fermanagh have been looking quite like the side that electrified the summer of 2004. Quicksilver movement and relentless support play have minimised their disadvantages in terms of physique.

Cork have been sluggish, unable to field their best team for much of the campaign. The home side to win, but only after a substantial improvement.

Offaly v Monaghan, Tullamore - What the soccer fraternity call "a relegation six-pointer". Offaly are having problems, but Monaghan have been feisty in defeat. Those efforts should be rewarded tomorrow.

Derry v Down, Ballinascreen - Both have lost to Laois in the past two weeks. Down made a better fist of Mick O'Dwyer's team, but Derry weren't at full strength. Derry have beaten Armagh, and with home advantage and a strengthened selection they can repeat the championship win over the same opposition last July.

Galway v Meath, Pearse Stadium - Whoever loses this could end up struggling to hang on to first-division status. Galway look to have the advantage here if only because Micheál Meehan, Pádraic Joyce and Derek Savage pose such a scoring threat.

Armagh v Laois, Crossmaglen, 2.30pm - Laois's season has taken off in the past fortnight with confident displays against what were the two counties with 100 per cent records.

Armagh have also won their last two in generally impressive style but are missing some key figures this weekend - including Francie Bellew, Steven McDonnell and Ronan Clarke. With the home side understrength, this surely represents a big opportunity for Laois.

Kildare v Wexford, Newbridge - A must-win for Wexford. Kildare have been impressive enough, plugging away competitively throughout the campaign in a series of tight matches. You'd have to favour the home side.

London v Clare, Ruislip, 1.30pm - Clare get some relief with a trip to the only pointless team in the league.

Longford v Carlow, Pearse Park - Carlow delivered a good result last week against Leitrim, while Longford suffered their first setback. They can get back on track here.

Donegal v Limerick, Ballybofey, 2pm - A key promotion match between two of the league's four unbeaten teams.Home advantage to tell.

Leitrim v Roscommon, Carrick-on- Shannon - Roscommon's form has improved all season and they can add two more points tomorrow.

Westmeath v Cavan, Cusack Park - Cavan have had a creditable league but Westmeath should bounce back to all but seal promotion.

Waterford v Louth, Walsh Park - A win will promote Louth.

Antrim v Sligo, Casement Park - Lazarus-like reappearance by Sligo last week. It can continue in Belfast.

Wicklow v Tipperary, Arklow - After a disappointing season, Wicklow can cause a surprise here.