Down v Cavan

Newry, 3.30

Both sides will quietly fancy themselves here, and there will be little to chose between them. Each features significant changes to last year and both managers have selected championship novices in the back line, particularly Val Andrews. Cavan's Dermot McCabe is returning to form again and his duel against Brian Burns will be central. Shane Mulholland's absence from the Down attack is a blow to Pete McGrath but they have calibre in Michael Walsh and Shane Ward. Cavan's attack also carries promise and Mickey Graham and the Reillys can cause some damage.

Down's record will probably make them favourites here. Their league form has traditionally not counted for much but there was something worrying about their division two semi-final loss against Westmeath. Cavan ground out some noteworthy results in the league. They might squeeze by. Keith Duggan