No need to panic just yet but further losses for any sides could prove costly
Division 1: Dublin v Donegal
It was one of the biggest shock in last year’s Championship but this Saturday night in Croker, Dublin and Donegal renew their rivalry with two precious Allianz League points on offer.
No matter how much Dublin will try and play it down, last August must be in their minds. Hardly anyone gave Donegal a chance in that game, and yet they came out and blasted past the hapless Dubs to the September showpiece.
Since then Donegal have lost Jim McGuinness, while Jim Gavin said his side wouldn’t change their approach dramatically after the defeat. Last week the Ulster champions got past a resolute Derry side in Ballybofey, with Michael Murphy once again showing what a danger he is closer to goal as a traditional full-forward.
Dublin losing out to Cork was a blow to the confidence of many of their newer faces, especially considering they scored only one point in the last 15 minutes. There won’t be huge panic this week at training, but Gavin is fully aware that if he was to slump to another defeat it would set some alarm bells ringing in the capital. There’s no doubt the lack of the St Vincent’s players is a factor and perhaps the much talked about squad is not quite as strong as may have been suggested. Gavin also has said that Cork are the most defensive side he’s ever encountered,and that’s saying something.
The game in Croker will be worth at least a number of points to the home side, while there is a feeling that Donegal will not be likely to show their hand too early in the season. Dean Rock’s eight-point haul was impressive on Leeside but there must be a concern over Dublin’s lack of goals or even goal opportunities so far in 2015.
Don’t expect the ‘shock and awe’ of last autumn and don’t think you’ll see Dublin wing backs leaving a Bruce-Springsteen-stage-sized- hole in their defence either when attacking. A narrow Dublin win but don’t rule out a dramatic draw.
Division Two: Meath v Kildare
It may only be February but on the eve of Valentine’s Day there will be no love lost between these two rivals on Sunday. Both are coming in off the back of defeats on Round One and another loss will prove almost certainly fatal to promotion hopes. Kildare were shocked by Down as they conceded two goals inside the final 90 seconds in a game that they had looked comfortable in for long spells. They had largely frustrated their Ulster rivals, but a loss of concentration and an individual error led the visitors to snatch the points.
Defensive football from both sides in Newbridge made it at sometimes a difficult view and Meath encountered that style of play when facing Galway last Sunday. The Tribesmen had just two men in attack for much of the game but Meath still struggled to gain any foothold or take their chances. It was only when Donncha Tobin was switched to the sweeper role that the Royals got any traction and Mick O’Dowd will be wise to start him in a similar role on Sunday.
Kildare don’t have any player in the mould of Shane Walsh who tore Meath apart, but they do have a nice balance of scorers from Fionn Dowling and Darroch Mulhall in the inside line to Niall Kelly at centre forward. Jason Ryan was bitterly disappointed with his side last Sunday – his mood should be somewhat lighter this Sunday at 4pm if they steal a win in Navan at the expense of the home side
Division Three: Tipperary v Limerick
Hopefully Peter Creedon will have calmed down by the time this game comes around on Sunday. The Tipperary manager was left fuming after their last gasp loss to Armagh in the Athletic Grounds last Sunday. He blasted at referee David Goldrick, so Eamon O’Grady has been warned to be precise in his timekeeping this weekend.
There’s no doubt that Tipperary should have won and even the Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney agreed afterwards. Limerick’s clash with Sligo also had its moments of controversy, as Niall Carew’s side were reduced to 14 men with 15 minutes to go leading by a goal. They subsequently collapsed and Limerick powered home for a 0-14 to 1-9 win.
Both sides have notions of promotion and with Limerick already on the board with two, Tipperary’s need should prove greater with a home win expected and demanded by the Premier faithful.
Division Four: Offaly v Waterford
Two draws out of four games last weekend leaves the basement division neatly poised before the mid February break. The only two sides that won are in action against each other as Waterford travel to the midlands to face Offaly.
Waterford’s early season promise continued last Saturday night as they overcame Wicklow. Dealing with newfound expectation clearly isn’t a problem for the Deise men but taking on Offaly this Sunday will pose a different type of test.
The Faithful overcame a limited London side in Rusilip by 0-9 to 1-2 and on home soil they should be able to at least break the double figure mark in scoring terms
Waterford’s Michael O’Halloran made his league debut last weekend scoring four points-expect him to be key to any away win on Sunday.
