Weekend Previews

Saturday

National Football League

Division 1A

Armagh v Leitrim, Crossmaglen (2.0). - Leitrim, still managerless, travel without any real motive for winning except pride. Armagh, meanwhile, can avoid a quarter-final clash against Derry by finishing off the regular season with a win and begin their quest for a league title in positive fashion. They may be hindered by the absence of John Rafferty, sent-off in the gruelling win against Tyrone, but they have more than enough in reserve. No surprises.

National Hurling League

Division Two

Tyrone v Derry, Omagh (3.0) - Derry are improving with the seasons and although this local derby will be keenly fought, Tyrone will come away the unhappier team.

Division Three

Longford v Louth, Longford (5.0) - Louth are steaming confidently through the division and should not be unduly hindered by win-less Longford. Away scalp.

Sunday

(All games 3.30 unless stated)

National Hurling League

Division 1A

Clare v Offaly, Ennis. - An Easter package which comes laden with all kinds of recent historical baggage which, according to both teams, counts for nothing now. Maybe, but the shrill sound of that early whistle remains sufficiently clear to lend this game a bit of extra zip. Offaly may be forced to make do without Whelahan the elder. The home side, meanwhile, are bolstered by the return of Ollie Baker, who lines out at centre forward. His club captain Lorcan Hassett and Christy O'Connor, the St Joseph's goalkeeper, get second runs. Offaly sleepwalked through their first game at home to Galway, but have shown more appetite for early season hurling since and will undoubtedly be up for this one. Clare also fell victim to Galway - who doesn't at this time of year -and although they may dismiss the notion of last summer's semi-final carrying any motivational freight, they won't be keen to set a trend. Flip a coin, Clare win.

Dublin v Limerick, Parnell Park - Rarely have Limerick looked so awful as during their hour spent in Birr a fortnight back, but have got back on the rails last Sunday, redeeming themselves with a combative loss against Clare. This is a pivotal stage in the season for them. They need to get into the habit of winning. Dublin, zero for two and mulling over a comprehensive defeat by Antrim, may well provide the fodder they need to begin a winning run. Eamonn Cregan continues to juggle his forward six as he seeks to strike a balance, but they have weaponry enough to sting the home team. Limerick to profit.

Division 1B

Waterford v Laois, Walsh Park - The darling boys of last summer are finding out about life in the big pond now, enduring a couple of morale-sapping losses against Wexford and Kilkenny. They are still seen as possible contenders once the grass turns golden, but have shown worrying signs of brittleness thus far, although Gerald McCarthy does not seem overly concerned. Laois will ask a few questions of them. Last time out, they shocked league champions Cork in Rathdowney, with David Cuddy bagging 1-3 in the four-point win. Their one loss was to Kilkenny against whom they still managed to put up 16 points. Waterford will probably get themselves together in time to mount a challenge later on, but for now they are vulnerable. Laois win.

Tipperary v Cork, Thurles (4.0) - Beaten by Kilkenny last week, this is an important day out for Nicholas English's outfit. That their defence conceded three goals last Sunday - all in the second half - has to be a concern, especially given that Joe Deane and full forward Alan Browne are more than capable or exploiting any frailties. But for all that, Tipperary have shown the more consistent form throughout the competition and have already comfortably dismissed Wexford and Down. Cork, meantime, are approaching this year's league games with less zest than last season, which doesn't mean they won't be capable of pulling off a result here. Tight game, Tipperary to win.

Down v Kilkenny, Ballycran (2.30) - It would be tempting to foresee the Ulster side steeling themselves and meeting Kilkenny in terms of raw skill and pragmatism as well as application. Their recent results, though, hint at nothing of the kind and they will still be relying on dead-ball situations to keep themselves in the match. Henry Shefflin has added more guile to a sometimes ponderous Kilkenny attack and they seem to be playing as a unit, an ominous sign so early in the season. Another two points for Brian Cody's men.

Division Two

Wicklow v London, Arklow - More woe for the expatriates, who just don't have enough for a Wicklow side with thoughts of promotion.

Kildare v Roscommon, Naas - Roscommon are flying and show no signs of letting up. This should provide them with a test and yield them two more points.

Monaghan v Westmeath, Clones - Westmeath badly need a win to haul themselves towards the more respectable end of the table. Struggling Monaghan are the very team to oblige.

Meath v Carlow, Trim - Although neither side is enjoying a text-book season, Carlow's defensive record is lamentable. If Meath convert their chances, they should win without much stress.

Division Three

Armagh v Sligo, Keady - Sligo are unbeaten, sit top of the table and are at home against an Ulster side who are patchy at best. Form to rule.

Fermanagh v Donegal, Enniskillen (3.0). - Hurling for Donegal is a thankless task at the best of times. No ray of sunshine from the neighbours.

Leitrim v Cavan, Carrick-on-Shannon - A crunch tie in the hurling underworld. If Leitrim can become a little bit more stingy defensively, they could pull out a win here.