The weekend fixtures previewed by John O'Sullivan

AIB Senior Cup Second round (2.30) Ards v Old Wesley Hamilton Park

The Ulster club has been handed a home tie for the second successive game in the competition. They beat Suttonians last time out but Old Wesley managed a fine away win over Midleton in the last round and might just squeeze through. Verdict: Old Wesley.

Ballynahinch v Carlow Ballymacarn Park

Both these teams won in the opening round, Ballynahinch beat Naas while Carlow were too strong for Trinity at College Park. The home side sit atop Division Two, unbeaten, and should be too strong for the visitors. Verdict: Ballynahinch.

Bective Rangers v Terenure Donnybrook

Bective have lost only one of their four matches in Division Two while Terenure have yet to record a victory and lie at the foot of the Division One table. Home advantage to hold sway. Verdict: Bective Rangers.

Blackrock v Shannon Stradbrook

The Dublin club will be without two of their best backs in try-scoring machine Shane Monahan and fullback Niall Morris. Denied their presence they won't quite have the same cutting edge and this might allow Shannon to avenge a league defeat earlier in the season. Verdict: Shannon.

Buccaneers v Clontarf Dubarry Park

Clontarf have made a superb start to the season and on the basis that they could have several provincial squad players available must be fancied to maintain that run, this time in the cup. Verdict: Clontarf.

Dolphin v Malone Musgrave Park

Another inter-divisional clash that pits sees Dolphin with one win from four matches host Malone; the latter having won three games in the league. The Belfast club may find the long trip to Cork a little too taxing. Verdict: Dolphin.

Galwegians v Highfield Crowley Park

It would constitute a major surprise if there was anything other than a victory for the Galway club. Highfield beat Sunday's Well in the first round but the gap in league form suggests this might prove too tough. Verdict: Galwegians.

Garryowen v Thomond Dooradoyle

This Limerick derby seems stacked heavily in favour of a Garryowen victory, even allowing for their indifferent start to the season.

Thomond have yet to win a league match in Division Two but did beat Wanderers away in the first round of the cup. Verdict: Garryowen.

Nenagh Ormond v Barnhall New Ormond Park

Nenagh had what was arguably the result of the first round when beating Lansdowne at home. This time the visitors are another Leinster club, Barnhall. They share identical records of one win from four matches in Division Three. Verdict: Nenagh.

Old Belvedere v Ballymena Anglesea Road

The Dublin club have started the season well while their visitors have been less assured. Belvedere will be without Leinster's Felix Jones who tore knee ligaments last week but should still be good enough to win. Verdict: Old Belvedere.

Old Crescent v Bruff

Another Limerick derby this time between two Division Two sides: Bruff lie second in the table while Old Crescent are 10th and despite home advantage that difference should be reflected in who wins this cup match. Verdict: Bruff.

Rainey Old Boys v UCD Hatrick Park

Results may not have always gone UCD's way this season to date despite some decent performances but there should be little doubt about the outcome of this match. Verdict: UCD.

St Mary's v Cork Constitution

Templeville Road

Arguably the match of the weekend and a repeat of their recent league meeting in which the Dublin club triumphed. Constitution have struggled to kick-start the defence of their league title and even with number supplemented by Munster squad players might not win here. Verdict: St Mary's.

UCC v Portadown Mardyke

The Ulster club are unbeaten in Division Three, leading the table but the may find this long trip to Cork too tough an assignment. It'll certainly give them an idea of what life might be life after being promoted. Verdict: UCC.

UL Bohemian v Dungannon Annacotty

Another all Division One clash and on the balance of league form to date there is little to choose between these teams as they have both managed to win a couple of matches. Home advantage to sway the issue.

Verdict: UL Bohemian. Y Munster v Bel Harlequins Clifford Park

The newly-promoted Young Munster are still finding their feet in Division One but with the benefit of playing this tie at home will be confident of prevailing. Verdict: Young Munster.