Westmeath v Meath:WE KNOW they never properly learned how to beat neighbours to the east but this meeting represents the best chance for Westmeath to breathe some life into a summer bordering on depressing failure. They initially liked the ways of Tomás Ó Flatharta, seemingly the engine behind Páidí Ó Sé's tenure, and then a respectable few seasons of his own but those days appear to be over.
Memories of Dessie Dolan’s horror free-kick miss against Meath in 2003 still loom large in the collective psyche but the talented one’s return to the attack after an injury lay-off appears timely. John Smyth makes way.
David O’Shaughnessy returns to midfield after a two-year absence. They lost by 27 points to Dublin but the bones of a good side remain. It comes down to management and mentality.
Meath looked unsure of their purpose in the championship against Dublin, hanging on without really silencing the Hill. Their contender credentials remain unestablished. All Star forward and captain Stephen Bray has shaken off a quad injury to start at wing forward. Anthony Moyles should compensate for the loss of Kevin Reilly at full back and, all told, Meath can get the job done.
WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, J Keane (capt); M Ennis, D Heavin, D O’Donoghue; D O’Shaughnessy, D Duffy; P Sharry, D Dolan, D Harte; J Connellan, D Glennon, C Lynam.
MEATH: P O’Rourke; C O’Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray (capt); D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
Referee: M Sludden (Tyrone).
