Weekend previews

A look ahead to all the action today and tomorrow:

TODAY

National Football League

Matches at 7.30 unless stated

Division One A

Dublin v Fermanagh, Parnell Park, 7.45 - Finally getting their campaign on the tracks Dublin moved up to the top four a fortnight ago with a much improved display, albeit against a mystifyingly poor Cork side. The result was the good news. The comparative bad news was the familiarity of the big contributions: Ciarán Whelan, Jason Sherlock and Tomás Quinn - welcome returns but no evidence of the extra percentage the team needs in championship terms. It's been nearly all bad news for Fermanagh. Although they've been competitive in some matches, the results have all been downbeat. Hard to see this being any different despite the visitors' win in this fixture last season.

Cork v Mayo, Páirc Uí Rinn- Cork's oscillating form plummeted against Dublin and leaves them uncomfortably perched in a Division Three slot. Mayo's form has been more even but they're stuck for centrefielders with the unavailability of Ronan McGarrity and David Brady. Need isn't always a reliable arbiter in matches but we'll take it on this occasion.

Division Two B

Antrim v Cavan, Casement Park- Locked at the top with Meath, Cavan should take the points here against an Antrim side that isn't having one of their better campaigns.

Under-21 Football Championships

Matches at 3.30 unless stated

Connacht: Galway v Leitrim, Ballinasloe- Leitrim travel not having won a match in this grade for nine years. Although this isn't regarded as a vintage Galway side they should prolong the visitors' wait.

Munster: Clare v Tipperary, Kilmallock, 3.0- A great win over Kerry under their belts, Clare will be favourites against Tipperary, who haven't won a match in the grade for six years.

Ulster: Fermanagh v Down, Irvinestown, 2.0- The seniors mightn't be going well but the Down under-21s have enough talent to progress.

Derry v Antrim, Celtic Park- Derry will be favourites against an Antrim team not yet fully benefiting from last year's promising minors.

Armagh v Tyrone, Davitt Park, Lurgan- This is a high-quality Tyrone side, based on the cohort that won minor three years ago. They are short-list All-Ireland candidates and, barring a major surprise, should win this.

SUNDAY

National Football League

Matches at 3.30 unless stated

Division One A

Donegal v Kerry, Letterkenny, 2.0- Match of the day pits the form team in the NFL against the holders. Pat O'Shea could have done without the additional involvement for Crokes but the side is improved with Kieran Donaghy and Tomás Ó Sé back. Brian McIver's team have played so consistently well this season to date that it's hard to go against them in this especially given Kerry's tendency to wander in matches.

Tyrone v Limerick, Gaelic Grounds- This is a crucial fixture for Tyrone if they intend hanging around for the later stages of the league. Limerick have been very competitive without getting much to show for it. There's enough urgency about this for Tyrone to take the points.

Division One B

Armagh v Down, Crossmaglen- Depending on other results this could be Division Three for Down next year. Armagh make a number of changes after the anaemic defeat by Derry and defeat here would put them under intense pressure. Despite Down's raft of 10 changes including the return of their Sigerson-winning Queen's contingent Armagh get a hesitant nod.

Westmeath v Galway, Cusack Park- Galway will be glad that form has recovered in time for this re-run of last year's demoralising qualifier defeat. Westmeath stumbled against Louth and travel to take on a team coming off two straight wins. David O'Shaughnessy comes back for his first start since last August's All-Ireland quarter-finals but at their best Galway are capable of making it three on the spin.

Derry v Laois, Celtic Park, 2.30- A welcome revival for Derry in Crossmaglen. Laois have a good record against the Ulster teams over the past couple of leagues but Derry will be a different prospect to Down two weeks ago. Home win.

Kildare v Louth, Newbridge- A good revival last time out against Galway failed to redeem Kildare's atrocious first half in the Atlantis of Salthill. At the same time Louth were bringing Westmeath's momentum to a halt. John Doyle's included for the home side after the leg injury picked up in Galway proved not as serious as feared but Dermot Early's return from injury has hit a snag. The teams have similar records but Kildare have stalled a bit and Louth look more likely.

Division Two A

Leitrim v Carlow, Cloone- Carlow's woes continue with further panel withdrawals and the resignation of their manager. Leitrim can move up the table.

Offaly v Clare, Tullamore, 1.00- There are two points for the taking here for Offaly from a Clare side treading water.

London v Monaghan, Ruislip, 1.00- The leader's flawless campaign to remain on track after this awkward trip.

Roscommon v Longford, Hyde Park- Roscommon are improving but an away win looks slightly more likely.

Division Two B

Wicklow v Meath, Aughrim- Meath need the win to keep their table-topping ambitions in full cry and should do so.

Wexford v Sligo, Wexford Park- Wexford have the motivation to keep the challenge going into a critical last pair of fixtures against the top two.

Tipperary v Waterford, Ardfinnan- This is a chance for Tipperary to get off the bottom and they should exploit it.

National Hurling League

Matches at 3.30 unless stated

Division One A

Offaly v Clare, Birr- The return of some of the more experienced players led to an improved display and a catapult move from crisis to top of the table for Tony Considine's team. Offaly are still stuck at the crisis end of things and despite home advantage look likely to stay there.

Waterford v Down, Dungarvan- Waterford's slip-up has opened up the division but despite a pugnacious showing against Cork, Down won't travel in much confidence.

Cork v Wexford, Páirc Uí Chaoimh- Having bounced back from the first-day mauling by Waterford, Wexford have improved. Cork's form gives the visitors a chance.

Division One B

Antrim v Kilkenny, Ballycastle, 2.00- Kilkenny are on track after Monday's hammering of Limerick and will win here.

Limerick v Dublin, Gaelic Grounds- Vital match for both teams. Dublin were very impressive in defeating Galway, the quality of their hurling impressing as much as the grit and graft. Things militating against them are the home side's need to recover after last Monday. It's there for Dublin but Limerick will be the more wired.

Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium- Galway got a nasty shock in Dublin and even if Ger Loughnane's despairing reaction was over cooked, it was a sobering end to a promising league run. Expect something sharper and fuller-blooded here with the home side to come out on top.

Division Two A

Derry v Carlow, Banagher, 1.30- This division has been hopping about a bit but Carlow should put a disappointing run behind them.

Laois v Meath, Portlaoise- Laois need to put the Wicklow disaster behind them by taking the points here and they can.

Wicklow v Armagh, Arklow, 1.00- Pace setters Wicklow have beaten all main rivals to date and this will keep the 100 per cent record ticking over.

Division Two B

London v Kildare, Ruislip- Good result for London against Mayo but Kildare may not be as indulgent.

Westmeath v Mayo, Cusack Park- Westmeath's big win over Kerry and home advantage has to make them favourites against Mayo, who slipped up in London.

Kerry,bye .

Division Three A: Donegal v Leitrim, Letterkenny, 12.15; Sligo v Louth, Markievicz Park; Monaghan, bye.

Division Three B: Roscommon v Cavan, Knockcroghery; Fermanagh v Longford, Lisbellaw; Tyrone, bye.