Meath v Wexford:WEXFORD, BELIEVE it or not, are the only team in the country to boast an unbeaten run from the National Football League, culminating with their Division Three win over Fermanagh. Given Fermanagh's big win over Monaghan last Sunday, that was no mean feat, and Wexford confidence is understandably running high.
Central to this mini-revival in Wexford has been the appointment as manager of the former Waterford footballer Jason Ryan, who has defied his youth (31) and inexperience to create the strong team spirit and impressive consistency. Even the All Star Matty Forde admitted this week Ryan had given his career an injection of enthusiasm.
They'll start at close to full strength as well, Paddy Colfer and Rory Stafford making their first starts of the year, at full forward and midfield respectively, having missed most of the league.
Anthony Masterson takes over in goal from the retired John Cooper, and Nicky O'Sullivan comes into the half-back line after some fine league form.
This is a well-balanced and experienced Wexford team.
Meath manager Colm Coyle has deferred a team announcement pending word from last night's meeting of the DRA, which heard the cases of Brendan Murphy, Séamus Kenny, Nigel Crawford, Niall McKeigue and Shane McAnarney, who all remain suspended after the eight-week bans handed out following the infamous league clash against Dublin.
But Meath's 1-25 to 0-6 destruction of Carlow suggests they may well survive without them. It may well be a low-scoring game, and if it does come down to a close battle for survival Meath would seem more likely to shade it.
WEXFORD: A Masterson; C Morris (capt), P Wallace, B Malone; N O'Sullivan, D Murphy, N Murphy; R Stafford, E Bradley; PJ Banville, R Barry, A Flynn; C Lyng, P Colfer, M Forde.
MEATH: TBC
Referee: M Deegan (Laois).
Guidelines
In the last episode: Wexford have beaten Meath in their last four meetings between league and championship. Of the last five championship clashes, Meath have won three and Wexford two. Tomorrow marks just their sixth championship meeting in 45 years.
You bet: Wexford are available at 12/5, the draw is an attractive 8/1 and Meath are favourites at 2/5.
On your marks: Meath led by 14 points at half-time in their opening game against Carlow. Wexford can't afford to fall behind early. Meath have the greater scoring spread and Wexford will have to minimise that from the throw-in.
Gaining ground: The pitch in Dr Cullen Park is typically in good condition, if a little slow and tight. Access is no problem and with spectators positioned closer than usual to the pitch it can generate a good, old-fashioned championship atmosphere.
Just the ticket: Stand tickets at €20 are available from the participating counties only, while terrace admission is €15. Family tickets are available for the terrace (one adult, two children) priced at adults €15, and children €3 each.
Crystal gazing: No one sees the suspended Meath players returning but if that means Meath are further spurred on by adversity then they look the likely winners.
