This weekend's National Football League previews
evaluates the four Allianz NFL Division 1 ties scheduled for this weekend and who we can expect to win.
Tyrone v Derry
Three weeks have passed since Tyrone stormed Castlebar and defeated Mayo but the gap between that clash and their meeting with Derry should not hinder them in the slightest.
Manager Mickey Harte is being cautious regarding his unit’s chances of moving on to four points from six in the section.
“It’s an Ulster derby, it’s a local derby, it is all of these things that make for a very level playing field. So we know we must be on our guard. We must be better than we were against Mayo if we’re going to be sure of a victory,” Harte stressed.
Nevertheless, Derry are without talismanic midfielder and chief free-taker Mark Lynch through suspension, Gerard O’Kane who is taking a break due to work commitments and the two Slaughtneil operators, Patsy Bradley and Chrissy McKaigue.
Eoin Bradley does start for Brian McIver’s side which is a plus provided his focus is even near optimum levels but it is his first start in the division and therefore he may take time to get to the pitch of the encounter.
Either way, Tyrone should prove to be far too strong for Derry.
Kerry v Dublin
Kieran Donaghy, following his AIB All-Ireland Club SFC adventure with Dr Croke’s, returns to Kerry’s starting 15 as the All-Ireland champions host Dublin.
Donaghy is named at full-forward but may roam around the middle-third at some point depending on how Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s men are faring out the field.
Kerry have Pa Kilkenny, Mark Griffin, Fionn Fitzgerald, Jonathan Lyne, Jack Sherwood and Paul Murphy in defensive situ however, Dublin’s offensive arsenal is frightening and could overrun such a sextet.
Dublin will relish this particular opportunity and can prevail in Killarney.
Donegal v Cork
Tactically, this contest could have all the hallmarks of the proverbial chess game in Ballyshannon as Donegal welcome Cork with both teams seeking to build on positive performances in their previous league outing.
Granted, “a shortage of composure” cost Donegal a probable victory against Dublin according to boss Rory Gallagher, the northerners still produced a solid display at headquarters.
Cork were excellent in their success over Monaghan in Castleblayney.
Michael Shields is pencilled in at full-back for Brian Cuthbert’s charges while Patrick Kelly and Daniel Goulding will be available from the bench if required.
Mayo v Monaghan
This clash could sparkle in the west with an intense collision in store in Castlebar.
Mayo and Monaghan have not met in the league since 2011 and so form-lines are virtually non-existent ahead of this match.
Yet, there has been a lot to like about both sides’ performances in their two respective league outings thus far.
Tyrone overturned a sizeable deficit to defeat Mayo last time out but the Pat Holmes- and Noel Connelly-led outfit will have regrouped since and can prevail against a powerful Monaghan who impressed against Cork.
