Nothing has changed in this time-honoured meeting of Connacht's most gloried football county and the province's hardiest.

If medals were given out for perseverance and honesty, then the Leitrim cabinet would be glittering. They deserved a big championship win over the last three seasons, when they have been admirably committed under manager Dessie Dolan. They have a decent defence - two goals conceded to London in the first round notwithstanding - and a highly active half-forward line.

Galway's title credentials have improved dramatically, in part because of their easy win over Mayo and also because of a perception that other championship contenders have flattered to deceive. There is a nagging feeling, however, that there was something slightly false about that Mayo-Galway game. But there is no doubt that Galway are playing with verve and belief again.

Leitrim cannot afford any cheap scores and will need Gary McCloskey to keep tabs on the busy Joe Bergin. The home team have warriors in players like Colin Regan, Michael McGuinness and John McKeon and are capable of creating goal chances. They will need to bury those here to have any chance.

LEITRIM: N Gill; D Reynolds, M McGuinness, B McWeeney; B Prior, J McKeon, S Foley; G McCloskey, M Duignan; C Regan, M Foley, D Maxwell, D Brennan, J Glancy, C Duignan.

GALWAY: P Doherty; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, D Burke; M Comer, D Blake, D Meehan; J Bergin, N Coleman; D Savage, J Fallon, N Joyce; M Meehan, P Joyce, C Bane.WeekendFootball