Cork's night-owl existence continues with the visit of Mayo, upbeat over their top-of-the-table perch and big win over Dublin, particularly with a relatively experimental side. Cork will want to get their skates on having lost three points in two tight matches.
SATURDAY
DIVISION ONE A
Cork v Mayo, Páirc Uí Rinn, 7.30 -
Injury forces manager Billy Morgan to persist with Graham Canty at full back despite his obvious influence when moving out the field. Micheál O'Sullivan is brought in to try to resurrect his intercounty career at centrefield where Mayo are quite excited about the prospects of Ronan McGarritty.
It's hard to imagine the home side blowing out as spectacularly as Dublin did and Cork's experience in tight matches can stand to them this evening.
SUNDAY
Matches at 2.30p.m. unless stated
DIVISION ONE A
Longford v Tyrone, Pearse Park
With Tyrone still spinning a bit after last year this fixture gives Longford a great chance of extending their great start to the season. A big enthusiastic crowd is expected and the players will be suitably fired up. The home team have the forwards to exert pressure on the champions and a solid, physical centrefield to create opportunities. Defence will however be weakened by Cathal Conefrey's needless sending-off last week and that could be enough to give the visitors an edge.
Dublin v Kerry, Parnell Park
The mercury tilt reactions of some Dublin supporters to league matches in February is generally to the wonderment of the rest of the country. And presumably somewhat to the irritation of Tommy Lyons who has to put up with it.
Nonetheless the chasm between the performances against Tyrone and Mayo must be troubling if only because it defied explanation. The obvious loss of appetite and readiness to panic were other causes of concern. Tomás Quinn will be given further opportunity to see if his place-kicking can come around to fulfilling its considerable expectations.
Kerry have their own trouble with the Gaeltacht players out pending next week's club instalment of the counties' ancient rivalry and the attack looks a bit adrift without Dara Ó Cinnéide while the hunt for Darragh Ó Sé's partner isn't throwing up much new. This is hard to call given the ambiguity caused by the expansive range of possible Dublin performances but the guess here is that Kerry will feel the backlash.
Fermanagh v Westmeath, Enniskillen
Premature to talk about must-win matches in the third round but with only a point between them and with each having lost home matches to teams they beat last year the pressure is slightly on. Westmeath to respond the better.
DIVISION ONE B
Meath v Cavan, Páirc Tailteann
Cavan are struggling to make headway in this campaign whereas Meath have fallen prey to the bewildering mood swings of February football. Neither team made it easy on themselves last week with red cards but Cavan had the additional affliction of seeing Dermot McCabe's eagerly-awaited return from injury fail to last the match. Meath have enough in hand to win.
Sligo v Galway, Markievicz Park
Sligo's quick start to the season has been a surprise given that they haven't been at full strength. Galway have played some glorious football in flashes and have unveiled some interesting talent in the half backs. Also heartening is the form of Kevin Walsh and Michael Donnellan. The potential looks too much for Sligo, particularly as this is a fixture that has persecuted them in recent years. Gerry McGowan's likely six-week injury absence is another blow and Galway should win.
Armagh v Laois, Crossmaglen
Two sides that have failed to get off the runway. Joe Kernan was unhappy with last week's supine show in Galway and also rightly pinpointed the ratty indiscipline that cost them a couple of players before the end. Micko's fatalistic attitude to the league might be lifting a little as the prospect of being relegated moves into sharper focus. The counties had a win apiece last year with Armagh taking the verdict that mattered. Laois just aren't up to the pace at the moment whereas the home side's lassitude looks more psychological. And therefore more readily remedied.
Limerick v Wexford, Gaelic Grounds
Wexford will be well motivated by last April's whacking from Limerick in the Division Two semi-final in Portlaoise. Limerick are moving more smoothly in what has been a great start to the season. They should be able to repeat last year's win even if it should be a tighter.
DIVISION TWO A
Carlow v Offaly, Dr Cullen Park
Offaly sailed close to the wind against London and will find this hard as well. Despite Carlow's battling form, this is a match the visitors must win.
Donegal v Monaghan, Ballyshannon Monaghan perked up last week and will pose a stiff challenge but favourites for the division, Donegal should win.
London v Roscommon, Ruislip (1.30)
London have competed well in their matches so far but Roscommon will be too strong.
Clare v Leitrim, Cusack Park
Sluggish start by both counties. Home advantage to swing it.
DIVISION TWO B
Waterford v Antrim, Walsh Park
Again Waterford started well before falling away. This could be close but an away win nonetheless.
Louth v Wicklow, Ardee
Fine result for Wicklow against Down and with Louth subdued, this could be a surprise.
Kildare v Tipperary, Newbridge
Tipperary's unbeaten start should come unstuck here. Kildare will be boosted by Dermot Earley's first start of the season.
Down v Derry, Newcastle
Down should not be dropping points in Aughrim and will struggle to cope with a Derry team that found their range last week.
