The weekend's matches previewed

Division Three Final

Louth v Westmeath

Croke Park, 7pm (Live on TG4)

Westmeath have shown a massive improvement after a disastrous and winless league campaign 12 months ago that led to the removal of manager Brendan Hackett.

The run-in to the championship is notable for its complete reversal of fortunes and smoother preparation but the absence of arguably their greatest ever footballer, Dessie Dolan, this evening, due to a pre-booked holiday, damages their chances of collecting silverware although Louth are also without their marquee forward, Shane Lennon, so perhaps no advantage there.

In fact, Louth manager Peter Fitzpatrick has a number of injury concerns with Ger Hoey and Mark Brennan expected to miss out.

Westmeath’s recent history suggests they are capable of winning the big games at Croke Park although Louth had eight points to spare on them in the opening league fixture and edged them out in last year’s provincial semi-final.

Dessie’s cousin, James Dolan, comes into the full-forward line while the presence of the Glennon brothers, David and Denis, should provide enough fire-power to guide the midlanders to victory.

WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, J Gaffey; G Egan, A Finnan, D Harte; B Murtagh, D Corroon; P Sharry, David Glennon, C Lynam; P Greville, J Dolan, Denis Glennon.

LOUTH: TBC

Referee: R Hickey (Clare).

Division Four Final

Longford v Roscommon

Croke Park, 5pm (Live on TG4)

Roscommon didn’t want this fixture so close to their Connacht championship opener against New York in eight days’ time.

True, the risk of injury is there but a competitive run-out against the neighbours should keep them focused for the potential slip-up awaiting them in the US.

The fruits of a successful underage team are now ripe while the St Brigid’s contingent, like veteran midfielder Karol Mannion, bring a winning mentality back into the intercounty set-up.

They have plenty of attacking talent, none more so than Donie Shine who was unlucky to miss out on an All Star last year.

Longford are the only side to hold Roscommon during their unbeaten league campaign but a concern over David Barden’s fitness may prove vital.

ROSCOMMON (SF v Longford): G Claffey; S McDermott, P Domican, N Carty; S Purcell, D Keenan, D Ward; M Finneran, K Mannion; C Devaney, K Higgins, C Cregg; J Rogers, S Kilbride, D Shine.

LONGFORD: TBC

Referee: B Cassidy (Derry).

– Gavin Cummiskey