Leinster SF: First round - Laois v Westmeath, Tullamore, 3.45.

Two counties extremely familiar with each other both from senior - this is their third meeting in successive years - and under-age, at which both have done unprecedentedly well in recent times. With the element of surprise, Westmeath nearly ambushed Laois two years ago and last summer the process was nearly repeated except that Laois - who had been relatively unfancied - sprang a bit of a surprise themselves by winning comfortably.

In the intervening time, there hasn't been a lot to suggest that the balance of power has shifted much. Neither team will be that happy with the league but Laois with a 100 per cent record in their divisional matches have more cause than their opponents for satisfaction. Ian Fitzgerald's absence for academic reasons is a setback for Laois but one that they can carry in this instance.

Westmeath were disrupted by Brendan Lowry's suspension and haven't been exhibiting many signs that their challenge will be better this time around. It's worth remembering that Laois's pool of under-age players is deeper than Westmeath's and that they threatened a significant result against Dublin last year. Their forwards look more dangerous - despite Fitzgerald's absence - with a good blend of youth and experience and they deserve the nod this afternoon.