Armagh v Down, Casement Park, 6.15

A stiffer task than either had anticipated. The last time they met was in the Ulster final of two years ago and there's been a bit of slippage since on both sides. Armagh's rustiness and the demands imposed by going for three Ulster titles on the bounce (an achievement not accomplished for 40 years) made the defeat by Tyrone easy to explain but it remains to be seen how easily it can be put behind them. Despite injury worries (including inevitably Diarmuid Mardsden), they should have too much power for a Down team going for broke on the team-building project. Not a single All-Ireland medallist lines out for Down for the first time in over 10 championships. Old against new but Down are a bit too new.

Antrim v Leitrim, Casement Park, 4.15

Despite all the disheartening events of the past nine months, Antrim did better than expected last week. They should have an edge this afternoon against a Leitrim side that has been struggling for a while. The destruction by Galway compares poorly with Antrim's grim struggle against Derry but manager Joe Reynolds resists large-scale change. Antrim, however, look better equipped to advance.

Tipperary v Louth, Clonmel, 3.30

Louth's long lay-off caught up with them in the Leinster clash with Longford as they ran out of steam towards the end. Injuries weaken their line-out this afternoon but they have still been operating at a different level to Tipperary whose understrength outfit got a walloping from Kerry. Manager Tom McGlinchey makes four changes but it's doubtful if that can significantly improve their chances.

Waterford v Carlow, Dungarvan, 7.00

Carlow's spirit and hard graft against Kildare deserved a break. It duly arrives with a desirable draw against the weakest team in the qualifiers. Waterford's gamble of keeping good players for the junior team backfired when Cork beat them anyway. This evening they face a well drilled and upbeat team heading for a fourth championship match this summer - a feat unequalled since the 1940s.

Wexford v Westmeath, Wexford Park, 7.0

Both teams had encouraging performances in their championship outings. But Wexford's eventually clear defeat by Laois couldn't be categorised with Westmeath's pulsating, onepoint eclipse by a Meath team short only three of the 1999 All-Ireland winning 15. Mattie Forde's return gives the home side a bit more poke up front, but hardly more than Westmeath possess. It's been a good year for the midlanders and their momentum looks unlikely to be halted.

Wicklow v Longford, Aughrim, 7.0

Last year this fixture ended in a win for Longford but only after Gavin Tonra saved two penalties and Wicklow were reduced to 14 men. Since then Longford have moved on and Wicklow fallen back. The defeat by Wexford 13 months ago was a cautionary experience for Longford who stayed with Dublin for most of their first round match. Wicklow haven't been in great form and must do without Tommy Gill. The Rathnew forward was given a one-match suspension by the disciplinary committee of the county board on Thursday after being sent off in a senior league match with Bray Emmets. Ronan Coffey is also suspended while Gary Jameson (hamstring) misses out. Even allowing for their formidable home venue, Wicklow should take their final curtain.