Division One A
Offaly v Dublin, Birr, 3.30 - Dublin picked up their season last week with a comprehensive win over Limerick last week and will be in better spirits for this visit to the All-Ireland champions. Offaly had every chance to take the points in the paddy-fields of Cusack Park, but were undone by a couple of defensive lapses. Up front there were even more problems, and the loss of John Ryan to injury has compounded the difficulties. Joe Errity is switched to full forward and Daithi Regan recalled as a remedy to this heft-deficit. Offaly really don't like this time of year, but have sufficient quality players to surmount this afternoon's challenge.
Division One B
Cork v Down, Pairc Ui Rinn, 2.30 - This is not the right time for Down to conduct the in-house rebellion sparked by Noel Sands's omission. A daunting NHL programme has seen them hammered in a whole succession of matches, and this trip is particularly unappealing given Cork's traditional enthusiasm for beating teams like Down.
Laois v Tipperary, Portlaoise, 5.30 - It was generous of Laois not to bring Tipp to Rathdowney, where they have already scalped Wexford and Cork this season - particularly as Tipperary manager Nicholas English mentioned his dislike of the venue in his autobiography. It's been a good campaign for Tipperary and, up to last week's demolition by Waterford, not a bad one for Laois. In the less restricted confines of Portlaoise, the visitors' pacy forwards will prosper, even if Laois prove that last week was something of an aberration.
Division Two
London v Derry, Ruislip, 3.30 - These two teams are going in opposite directions, with Derry achieving and London struggling. That trend should continue.
Roscommon v Monaghan, Athleague, 3.30 - Top versus bottom. Roscommon, despite last week's setback, to be too strong. Westmeath v Meath, Mullingar, 3.30 - Hard times for the neighbours who have been left standing by the division's new aristocracy. Preference here is for the home side.
Wicklow v Kildare, Arklow, 3.30 - A fine win for Kildare over Roscommon last time out which underlined their improvement. Wicklow have also been playing well and are fancied - just. Carlow v Tyrone, Carlow, 3.30 - Carlow took out their season's frustrations on Meath last week and can be expected to add Tyrone's name to their list of victims.
Division Three
Louth v Armagh, Dundalk, 3.30 - Louth to keep top spot.
Donegal v Longford, Fintra, 3.30 - Donegal to stay bottom.
Cavan v Fermanagh, Cavan, 3.30 - Away win.
Mayo v Leitrim, Aughamore, 6.30 - Mayo to win and go second.
SUNDAY
Division One A
Limerick v Kerry, Gaelic Grounds, 2.00 - Another dismal result for Limerick last week, but Kerry shouldn't present too much of an obstacle.
Division One B
Kilkenny v Wexford, Nowlan Park, 3.30 - The picture has changed a bit since the counties met in the Walsh Cup two months ago. That day Wexford looked strong and purposeful, but have had a poor NHL campaign since, losing to Laois and - particularly miserably - Tipperary. Established players aren't producing and there has been a worrying listlessness about some of their performances. Kilkenny have blossomed since the opening-day defeat by Cork. Henry Shefflin has been a success in the forwards, and more experienced players are gradually re-integrating. Once centre field is settled, they'll give the League a good rattle. For tomorrow's purposes, they look too consistent for Wexford.
Antrim v Galway, Loughgiel, 2.00 - After a couple of poor seasons, Antrim have had a sound season, beating the counties they should have and having a good win over Offaly. If they could beat Galway they are technically in with a shout of the semi-finals. But the Connacht champions are having one of their better competitions and look more likely to take these points. Even if there is a home victory, Galway and Clare have a match in hand and better scoring averages.
