Experiments the order of the day

The majority of tomorrow's pre-season football competitions will feature largely unrecognisable county teams, partly due to player unavailability, and partly due to the explorations of newly-appointed managers.

In Leinster, the O'Byrne Cup quarter-finals (all 2 p.m. throw-ins) will feature several experimental sides. The Dublin team to play Wicklow at Kiltipper Road is a combination of underage stars and established seniors who were unable to travel on the team's holiday to Cape Town.

Managed by selector Dave Billings, Dublin should still provide a competitive game for John O'Leary's Wicklow, with Stephen Cluxton, Ciarán Whelan and Darren Homan among those remaining on colder shores. With newcomers like David O'Callaghan and Bryan Cullen eager for a place on the panel, Dublin are well capable of progressing.

Offaly and Kildare will start their games against Wexford and Westmeath respectively with similarly experimental sides. New Offaly manager Paul O'Kelly has wasted no time in introducing some younger blood as part of his three-year plan to restore some success to the county's fortunes, and Wexford, now under the direction of Dubliner Dom Twomey, can expect an eager contest in Tullamore.

Padraig Nolan starts his term with Kildare in Newbridge in a similar vein, with Enda Noons, Andrew McLoughlin and Eamonn Calaghan making defensive debuts. Westmeath, after a good run-out against Louth last Sunday, look capable of progressing.

In Navan, Meath take on Longford without the services of Graham Geraghty (who is standing by his claims of retirement). Despite their rewarding win over Laois last weekend, Longford may still find Meath too strong.

In Ulster's revived McKenna Cup (2 p.m.), the Armagh under-21 side get the honour of representing the county against Down, as the All-Ireland heroes are still in Mauritius. The game also marks the first competitive outing for Down manager Paddy O'Rourke, and will be played at St Mary's Park instead of Newry.

Derry also host Monaghan at Ballinascreen, Donegal host Cavan at Ballyshannon, and Fermanagh take on Tyrone in Enniskillen - a game postponed last weekend.

Connacht's senior football league (2 p.m.) commences with several new-look line-ups because of the introduction of the third level colleges NUIG, Sligo IT, and GMIT. Galway manager John O'Mahony will be without many of his regular stars against Sligo IT in Tuam, as will Mayo manager John Maughan against NUIG at Daingean. Mayo have also been hit by a flu outbreak that could further weaken the team. Leitrim are also in action against GMIT in Turloughmore.