Sunday

(Matches at 3.30 unless stated)

Division One A

Armagh v Tyrone, Armagh

ARMAGH are in all likelihood on their way to a first play-off series since reaching the 1994 final. It has been a good campaign for the team, particularly as they have played without any of the Crossmaglen contingent and yet have not been beaten since the first day of the season. Tyrone's position owes more to a late run of form which has seen them win all three matches since the resumption. More encouragingly, their forwards have been playing well. Toss of a coin says Armagh.

Cork v Dublin, Pairc Ui Rinn

THE big match in the division, with the losers in danger of at least missing out on the play-offs.

Both teams have found the going tougher since the resumption. Cork have lost twice and Dublin came within an ace of emulating them two weeks ago against Galway. But there were some positive signs for Tom Carr's team - particularly the form of Declan Darcy, Dessie Farrell and Paul Curran. Curran misses tomorrow and Jim Gavin is still out. Cork's reshuffle hands Sean O hAilpin the full back's jersey 24 hours after he lines out today with the hurlers.

This is a match between two developing teams, but Dublin's form looks slightly more convincing.

Galway v Offaly, Ballinasloe

ANOTHER critical fixture with the losers likely to drop to next season's Division Two. As a result of the restructuring of the league, whoever goes down will not be eligible for next year's knockout stages. The prospect is a humbling one in a match between All-Ireland champions and league title holders.

Offaly have shaken themselves in recent matches and won twice on the trot, but there were signs in Parnell Park that Galway may be rediscovering their attacking rhythm. Offaly's hasn't been as fluent, and that could be a big factor tomorrow.

Donegal v Leitrim, Ballybofey

LEITRIM created more of a stir off the pitch during the week than their onfield performances have managed this season. Peter McGinnity's departure wasn't exactly a thunderbolt, but neither is it a panacea. Players may lift their game a bit but hardly sufficiently to take Donegal down with them.

Division One B

Down v Mayo, Newry

A GOOD run of form has brought Mayo to the brink of a third quarter-final in four years. Old problems remain, with the conversion rate of chances created still worryingly low. Everything else is proceeding satisfactorily. Down have struggled to the brink of relegation. Conor Deegan is back in midfield but defeat - and demotion - beckons.

Laois v Derry, Portlaoise

IT'S only two years since Laois swashbuckled their way past Derry in a league quarter-final with Hugh Emerson out-leaping a succession of full backs. Since then it's been downhill, disappointing championships and mundane leagues. Derry have had their own tribulations, but since the resumption of the current league they have clicked into gear, and five points from six leaves them with a chance of making the playoffs for an eighth successive year. They need a win here and should get it against the doomed home side.

Meath v Kildare, Navan

AN intriguing piece of shadow play between last year's Leinster finalists will determine Meath's fate. After a flawless first half to the campaign, Meath have yet to win since the resumption - which leaves them needing a win. Kildare are better placed even after going down to Monaghan, but defeat could shuffle them out of the play-offs. Meath have the motivation of getting touched off in the Leinster final and may topple the leaders.

Monaghan v Clare, Clones

Monaghan are on the verge of the play-offs again. Clare aren't completely safe yet but (if Down are beaten) they may well survive regardless of the result. Clare seem to be playing well at the moment and may spoil the party.

DIVISION TWO A

Kerry v Wicklow, Killarney

MAURICE FITZGERALD will be back from the start for this decisive encounter. Kerry are favoured, particularly in the light of Wicklow's defeat by Westmeath.

Kilkenny v Roscommon, Ballyragget

TO bulk their scoring average up to adequate levels, Roscommon need to win by around 40 points and not concede very much. Can they do it? A rare cliff-hanger for Ballyragget.

Limerick v London, Abbeyfeale

LIMERICK to win the battle for seventh place.

Westmeath v Louth, Mullingar

WHAT might have been the climax of Westmeath's series of big matches is irrelevant unless Kilkenny beat Roscommon.

DIVISION TWO B

Carlow v Waterford, Dr Cullen Park

CARLOW to do better out of this south-east derby than they managed two weeks ago in Wexford.

Cavan v Wexford, Breffni Park

THE Cavan revival to continue at the expense of Wexford's promotion prospects.

Fermanagh v Longford, Enniskillen

FERMANAGH get the nod to stake their claim for promotion.

Sligo v Tipperary, Markievicz Park

SLIGO likely to nail down promotion and a quarter-final.