The epitome of the qualifiers' attractiveness, this is a great day out for Wicklow and a somewhat less comfortable assignment for Galway, who will not want to be dangled as the first great scalps of the new format.
On the basis of all that's rational, the deposed Connacht champions should accomplish the necessary here, but then much the same was expected of them before the calamitous Roscommon match.
Wicklow come into this on a high. Their win over Longford created a great atmosphere in Aughrim and the team played exceptionally well from Keith Byrne at full forward to Barry O'Donovan at full back. They have the added boost of two influential players, Tommy Gill and Ronan Coffey, returning from suspension.
But the stakes have risen and Galway bring a formidable attack, compared to a Longford side that lost its best forward, Padraig Davis, after a couple of minutes. Galway's selection hints at the difficulties faced by John O'Mahony. The team's National League run ended, not only in defeat, but also in uncertainty over the readiness of some younger panellists for championship action.
The defeat by Roscommon then questioned some more experienced campaigners. The result is a distinctly new formation with Kieran Fitzgerald back in the corner and Tomβs Mannion at centre back. Michael Donnellan's wish to play centrefield is once more fulfilled.
A win would revive things a bit for Galway and it should come because the gap between the teams doesn't look quite bridgeable.
KILDARE v DONEGAL (Newbridge, 6.15, Network 2)
THIS will put the six-day rule to the test. Beaten comfortably last weekend by Meath, Kildare must pick themselves up in a manner that has eluded other teams. That is not the extent of Mick O'Dwyer's problems. Injuries and suspension are still creating headaches with Glenn Ryan and Willie McCreery still out. Karl O'Dwyer will be available again and much needed by the struggling attack.
Centrefield must surely improve on last week's display. Dermot Earley was anonymous and, while Niall Buckley did some good things, Nigel Crawford's domination of the area wasn't even challenged satisfactorily.
Donegal combined well against Fermanagh but their opponents' dire first-half showing robbed the match of a contest and even then Donegal failed to make the most of their free run. Suspension is also depriving them of significant players. Jimmy McGuinness was missing the last day but will be more missed today. Brian Roper, with Brendan Devenney, was the best of the forwards and he too is suspended.
If Kildare have managed to focus on this, they will win. Their strength around the middle will be more of a protection this evening than it was against Meath. Donegal's defence will not shackle them as tightly as Meath managed to do for most of the match and, unless their accuracy improves, their opponents' forwards will not cut as deeply as Ollie Murphy and Graham Geraghty.
Still, if Kildare are suffering from any lethargy, Donegal's all-action style will put them under pressure, but probably not enough.
LAOIS v CLARE (Portlaoise, 7.0)
CLARE also take on the six-day rule and against opponents who haven't played for over a month. The defeat by Cork showed again that Clare are a hardy enough outfit. Although Cork playing poorly had a major impact on the match, Clare's performance was diligent and genuinely impressive at centrefield and at corner forward where Colm Mullen was sharp and productive.
This is nonetheless a match that Laois should win. Unlucky against Offaly, the team substantiated a good deal of its recent promise and have had plenty of time to adjust their sights for this evening. Colm Parkinson's relocation to full forward appears to be working and, as a unit, the attack will pose more problems than an off-key Cork managed.
The capacity to take chances was a problem the last day. If that improves and centrefield raises its game to match work-rate, a home win should result.
MONAGHAN v ARMAGH (Clones, 6.15)
ARMAGH are more and more conforming to the consensus idea of a team likely to do well in the qualifiers. Around long enough to know the ropes and the need for a gradual development of momentum and yet stuck in an ultra-competitive province, the opportunity to try again after a slow start has been welcome.
So far the scenery has been familiar even though these counties haven't met in championship for 16 years. Monaghan had the chances to beat Cavan last week but didn't click properly up front. Centrefield was also under pressure and they were still within a score of winning.
Armagh are, however, a considerable step up and with Diarmuid Marsden and Paddy McKeever again available, getting stronger. Last year's Ulster champions' ability to smother opponents and grind out chances is very hard to counter.
ULSTER SHC SEMI-FINALS
ANTRIM v DOWN (Casement Park, 3.45)
After a decade of carrying the game in Ulster between them, Antrim and Down find themselves both in the also-ran category. Antrim have rebuilt in recent years and field a young side. Down have the advantage of a championship outing under their belt but it was a near-death experience in New York.
In fairness, the team was understrength and is now restored and on familiar territory. Antrim's league was disrupted by the foot-and-mouth disease but at least they were ticking over in Division One. Down will find it hard to emerge from Division Two and win in the championship.
DERRY v LONDON (Casement Park, 2.0)
APART from a bizarre draw with Antrim three years ago (they lost the replay by 36 points), London have failed to make much headway in the championship. Derry conversely have gone from strength to strength. They broke through last year after a year in Division One and have improved their league performances this year. The panel has been strengthened by the return of former dual player SΘamus Downey this week.
