Just the one league victory for Galway under Pádraic Joyce against Kerry and it came at home. Here, Kerry will be wanting to put on a show after a pragmatic, almost damage-limiting performance in Ballyshannon. Galway have been involved in two shoot-outs already so won’t mind if it turns out to be another one. The Kerry team will start to become more familiar from here until the end of the league and the side named by Joyce has a more seasoned look about it. A strong wind might turn it into a game of two halves but Kerry can add a second home victory. Verdict: Kerry.
Monaghan’s league record against Dublin in Croke Park will give them hope on top of the home side’s iffy displays thus far. Monaghan’s injury list has impacted them too in the defeats to Armagh and Roscommon and you would think if there are the losers here, they will find it extremely difficult to survive with four games remaining. Ger Brennan will hope the warning he gave to his old guard will have some effect there ahead of the Kerry visit seven days later. Brian Howard, Tom Lahiff and Lorcan O’Dell probably took more notice of it than anybody else. Standards have dropped. A response is required. Verdict: Dublin.
We are beginning to regret asking a Meath colleague before the opening game against Derry if they would take fourth position. Meath are only looking one way, Jack Flynn is in mean form and facing Louth couldn’t have come at a better time. Louth may have won the derby in last year’s Leinster final but the feeling was Meath’s ceiling was higher and they so proved it in the All-Ireland SFC. Louth don’t want to be dragged into a relegation battle but they may go a second game without points here. Verdict: Meath.
Now that the monkey is off Derry’s backs and they have ended a 13-game winless run, they will travel to Newbridge believing they can get their promotion campaign back on track. Brian Flanagan’s decision to invest in youth has worked well for Kildare and the point earned in Tyrone was as good as the two picked up at home when they went goal crazy against Offaly. A share of the spoils can’t be discounted. Verdict: Draw.
For a team expected to waltz back to Division 2, Down’s wins have been tight enough thus far and Westmeath are their main rivals for the top spot. At the same time, The Lake County haven’t had it all their own way but also boast a 100% record. Their scoring qualities give them a right chance but Odhrán Murdock is capable of making the game his own. Verdict: Down.
Morale is low in Laois who are without a win and yet to meet the teams expected to challenge for promotion. Sligo bring spunk and their dynamism could give the hosts plenty of bother but surely Laois can salvage something? Verdict: Draw.
Waterford v Wicklow, Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, 6pm (J. Hayes, Limerick).
Waterford are demonstrating that they are competitive but Wicklow will want to get back on the horse quickly after losing to Carlow. Verdict: Wicklow.
Antrim were promoted on the back of five wins out of five last year but Tipperary are a major step-up for them. Verdict: Tipperary.
Dublin are suffering an All-Ireland hangover in the football game. Galway shouldn’t be as groggy. Verdict: Galway.
Cork are down plenty of players at the moment and the hosts may seize the chance to exploit. Verdict: Waterford.
Clare were close to going up last year and can start as they mean to go on. Verdict: Clare.
After some difficult years, Limerick have been picking up results the last couple of seasons. Verdict: Limerick.
Wexford scored for fun in Division 1B last year and can edge promoted Offaly. Verdict: Wexford.
It’s fair to say O’Donnell Park, due to host the Donegal-Down Ulster quarter-final at the end of April, is not a happy hunting ground for Donegal. Two league wins in 10 years is a dreadful return for a home side and Mayo’s newfound love of chaos presents Jim McGuinness with a test. Expect them to go zonal here if Mayo look to bombard ball beyond the Donegal 45-metre line. Donegal are close to completing their objective of racking up the points quickly to retain their top flight status and can pick up a third straight win. Verdict: Donegal.
Roscommon’s level of performance has been consistent over their opening matches even if they only have two points to their names. Armagh’s total is the same but they should still be kicking themselves about losing to Galway at home. They were hard done by, of course, but in Division 1 excuses run out quickly and Kieran McGeeney will expect a more clinical display now. Both attacks could have a whale of a time but Armagh may just pip it. Verdict: Armagh.
The last time Cork started with two league wins outside of Division 3? 2015 when they eventually topped Division 1 starting with victories against Dublin and Monaghan. With what lies ahead, Cork can hardly get excited but they are getting a lot right. After seeing off Louth who themselves beat Offaly, there will be little trepidation for Cork heading to Tullamore. The Faithful were always going to have it tough coming up to Division 2 but without their full complement the going is rough. Cork can’t countenance dropping points before the Meath and Derry meetings. Verdict: Cork.
If Tyrone are to go straight back up to Division 1, you would imagine they will need to win four of their five remaining games. One point on the board after two outings is a poor return even if it does seem counties are going to take points off each other. Cavan need to work out why they have let two wins slip out of their hands in Cork and on their own soil. Tyrone aren’t going to be in the mood to give them pointers. Verdict: Tyrone.
Declan Bonner is still getting his feet under the table but relegation will raise its ugly head if they drop further points in Enniskillen. Clare have been more unlucky than disappointing thus far and can return home with the points. Verdict: Clare.
Wexford have shot out of the blocks like they did in Division 4 last year. It would appear they have a lot of work done but teams might now begin to catch up on them. Limerick have had their number before and may have it again. Verdict: Limerick.
An encouraging start for The Exiles who have three points on the board. Beating Longford in Longford was within their capabilities and they can beat Leitrim but Steven Poacher’s side appears surer of itself this year. Verdict: Leitrim.
Roger Casements, Portglenone, 2pm (K. Faloon, Armagh).
A humbling start for Mark Doran as Antrim manager but in the hurling heartland of Antrim they can see off Longford to claim an opening win. Verdict: Antrim.
Neither team has yet to experience defeat but Tipperary still appear to be on a trial-and-error exercise whereas Carlow are progressing well under Joe Murphy. Verdict: Carlow.
