Our selections for the weekend's GAA action include a victory for Dublin against Derry in Newry.
The final round of games in the All-Ireland group stage will take place across Saturday and Sunday, with some mouthwatering tussles in store as big names strive to stay in the Championship.
Dublin, Derry and Galway are scrapping for two qualification spots in Group 4 on Saturday evening, while on Sunday, Donegal, Mayo, Cavan and Tyrone do likewise in Group 1 for three places.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Monaghan and Down have an all-Ulster showdown for top spot in Group 3 and a straight passage to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Selections
Dublin -2 @ 10/11
Monaghan to beat Down @ 4/9
Michael Langan first goalscorer (Donegal v Mayo) @ 14/1
Dubs unlikely to be as wasteful in Newry
Group 4 was labelled the ‘group of death’ after All-Ireland champions Armagh joined last year’s beaten finalists Galway alongside Dublin and Derry in a tough section.
For Armagh, it has proved anything but perilous. Two wins from two has eased them through, with top spot secure with a game still to play.
Kieran McGeeney’s side face Galway in Breffni Park with little to play for bar momentum, ensuring that contest looks best avoided as a misfiring Galway side are odds-on to get the win.
Meanwhile in Pairc Esler in Newry, Dublin and Derry lock horns with a place in the knockouts on the line. Both sides could progress, should Armagh gain something against Galway, but this will have a knockout feel to it, particularly for Derry.
The Oak Leafers stood up against Galway in Celtic Park a fortnight ago, but the concession of four goals was their undoing in atrocious conditions.
Dublin’s radar was off as they lost to Armagh that same afternoon, with Dessie Farrell and his management team pondering just how they managed to rack up a whopping 17 wides.
Derry haven’t won a game in 2025, through league and championship, and their fragile confidence may cost them now, with Dublin fancied to win with something to spare once their shooting boots are on.
Farney Army on the march
The Athletic Grounds play host to the all-Ulster clash between Monaghan and Down on Sunday, with top spot in Group 3 up for grabs between two counties assured of progress no matter what happens.
Gabriel Bannigan’s Monaghan have shown up nicely this season and are potentially going to be capable of reaching an All-Ireland semi-final or better.
In blustery conditions in Clones a fortnight ago, they looked in some trouble against Clare but outscored the Banner by 1-18 to 1-02 in the second half.
Down, meanwhile, got the jitters after leading Louth by 10 points at one stage only to win by one, Adam Crimmins’ brave block after the hooter had sounded saving their blushes.
Jack McCarron landed eight points against Louth and can be key for Monaghan again, while Rory Beggan’s dead-ball accuracy will also help.
Langan can boost Donegal’s claims
The return of Michael Murphy has garnered plenty of column inches but arguably Donegal’s best player in the Championship thus far has been Michael Langan.
The towering midfielder hit seven points in the group stage loss against Tyrone, scarcely befitting a player on the losing side.
He had a brace in the Ulster final against Armagh and will be key for the Tir Conaill outfit in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.
Langan is well capable of finding the net and could be rewarding at 14/1 for the first goal, or 5/1 anytime goalscorer.
Picking a winner in this game looks extremely difficult. Jim McGuinness’ team are the stronger side on paper, but Mayo are gloriously unpredictable and have a superb record in Dr Hyde Park over the years.
Over 2.5 goals landed in both sides round two ties and could well come up trumps again.
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