Allianz Football League
[Matches at 2.0 unless stated]
Division One
Tyrone v Meath, Healy Park – Back in the big time, Meath face familiar opposition. They've played Tyrone three times in the past seven championships and were very competitive. Mickey Harte's team won an umpteenth McKenna Cup last weekend but are weakened in attack without Cathal McShane and Mattie Donnelly. Meath aren't full-strength but have some decent new talent coming through. Watch out for Matthew Costello, still at school, but MOTM in the O'Byrne Cup win over Laois. Tyrone guile to prevail.
Verdict: Tyrone
Galway v Monaghan, Pearse Stadium, 2.30 – Pádraic Joyce's new management has perked up the county after the Iron Curtain days of recent years but Galway still need to defend even if their attack is more conspicuously gifted. Also under new management with Séamus McEnaney back, Monaghan lost the McKenna Cup final but more bothersome was the injury to Colin Walshe. A year ago Galway froze Monaghan out at Inniskeen in a match before a chilled attendance. They can repeat the dose but perhaps by different means.
Verdict: Galway
Division Two
Westmeath v Clare, TEG Cusack Park – Clare's survival in this division has been such a balancing act that the absence of Gary Brennan for the year poses existential problems. Promoted Westmeath are also missing important players including last year's top gun Ger Egan, and know this is an opportunity for early points against, realistically, relegation rivals.
Verdict: Westmeath
Roscommon v Laois, Dr Hyde Park – After two years in Super 8s football, Roscommon should be targeting a quick return to the top flight. Laois though are on a third straight promotion and have Kerry's Mike Quirke newly in charge. They are also missing some opt-out players and that enhances the home side's prospects.
Verdict: Roscommon
Kildare v Fermanagh, Newbridge, 2.30 – Fermanagh beat Kildare last year and finished ahead of them but with a stiflingly defensive game plan. With new managers for both teams, the tactical balance may have shifted. Jack O'Connor will want to get the home side off to a decent start and they are capable of announcing their promotion credentials.
Verdict: Kildare
Division Three
Longford v Louth, Glennon Bros Pearse Park – Despite losing some heavy hitters in the off season, Pádraic Davis's team looked sharp lifting the O'Byrne Cup whereas Louth will be doing well to emulate last year's campaign.
Verdict: Longford
Tipperary v Down, Clonmel – Down took this narrowly in the summer and need to again even though on the road and under-strength. Tipperary are also missing big names and may struggle to break down the visitors.
Verdict: Down
Division Four
Antrim v Wexford, Glenavy – Paul Galvin opens with a tough road trip against a side with ambitions to secure promotion after a disappointing couple of years.
Verdict: Antrim
London v Sligo, Ruislip – Sligo go to Ruislip, trailing a terrible 2019 of nine straight defeats. London will fancy this and may get close.
Verdict: Sligo
