Rarely have two teams crossed paths in the Leinster football championship while apparently going in such opposite directions – Meath headed for Division Two football next season, and Wicklow headed for Division Four.

Yet rarely will that league form count for so little as here. Wicklow have already turned a corner with their two-point win over Longford three weeks ago, their first victory all year, and also have the significant advantage of playing the dubbed ‘Fortress Aughrim’.

Now, however, comes the more daunting task of a Meath team who, although they haven’t played since the Division Three league final, have high ambitions of making a Leinster final through what is unquestionably the soft side of the draw. Wexford await the winners in the semi-final.

Manager Mick O’Dowd hasn’t disguised his desire to establish some true consistency, which he certainly did towards the end of the league. Now O’Dowd hands championship debuts to corner forwards Eamonn Wallace and Mickey Newman while the likes of Joe Sheridan, Brian Farrell and Paddy Gilsenan are held in reserve.

Caoimhin King is a surprise inclusion at centre-back, having sat out the league, while dual player Mickey Burke is also given the nod at wing back.

There is a lot at stake here for both teams, as Wicklow look to make the Leinster semi-final for the first time since 1995.

For O’Dowd, the fifth different Meath manager in seven years to lead them into the championship, victory has to be the least of his ambitions. There is still enough tradition within the county to suggest a win here.