(3.30 unless stated)
Section A
Mayo v Laois, Crossmolina
Leaving aside jokes by Mayo manager John Maughan about treks up Croagh Patrick and visits to Knock for some sort of divine inspiration, the reality is that Mayo's march - unbeaten, thus far - through the league programme has been based on solid application and the existence of a squad able to cope with injuries. There have been no obvious left-over psychological wounds from back-to-back All-Ireland final defeats and Mayo have demonstrated a commendable work ethic in arriving at this final league game requiring merely a draw to secure a place in the knock-out stages, although a win will see them actually top the table. Colm McManamon's return should sharpen their attack and Mayo enter the game with a degree of stability which appears lacking in a Laois camp ravaged by injuries. Laois won the corresponding fixture last year and need to win this game to claim a place in the quarter-finals and a berth in Division One next season. Home advantage and a greater consistency should sway things Mayo's way, though. So, it could turn out to be a good weekend for John Maughan who last night was pulling pints of a different kind at the opening of a pub bearing his name in Westport.
Louth v Leitrim, Drogheda
The big prize may have evaded the grasp of both sides (with erratic form the common bogey), but Louth and Leitrim have much to play for as the winners earn a place in Division Two next season - and the losers will be consigned to Division Three! Leitrim have overcome the defection of Declan Darcy a good deal better than many imagined and Adrian Cullen has emerged as a worthy leader of an attack who appear to know where the goalposts are. Meanwhile, Louth's failure to put teams away has been costly and, given that their next competitive engagement is the Leinster championship meeting with Wicklow at this ground in May, the home side would like to rectify that particular problem sooner rather than later. Louth should edge it.
Carlow v Fermanagh, Dr Cullen Park, nb 2.30
Pride is likely to be the main consideration at stake here, although there is the added incentive of a place in Division Three for the winners. The visitors may have most to cheer.
Today
Kilkenny v Galway, Clara, nb 4.0
Kilkenny are on a hiding to nothing against Galway, a team who have scored more frequently than any other in the section. Booking a place in the knockout stages should prove a formality for Galway. The bonus is that they'll have achieved their objective some 24 hours before the other teams go into action.
Section B
Derry v Armagh, Celtic Park
Probably the game of the day, what with its possible Ulster championship implications and all that. Of more immediate importance, though, is the fact that the winners of the spoils tomorrow will earn a place in the league quarter-finals; the losers will be confined to Division Two next season, while a draw will be enough to keep Armagh ahead. A sign of Derry's serious intent is that Damien McCusker, handcuffed to his soccer commitments for much of the winter, returns in goal for his first game since last year's Ulster final, while Sean Martin Lockhart returns after a broken toe and Stephen McLarnan is called up for his first game of the league. A vacancy has been left at corner-forward Joe Brolly, who will undertake a fitness test before the game. Armagh have scored more than any team in the National League - in any section - and will need their scoring boots with them if they are to claim the points. They are a team who mix a strong physical presence with skill and the knack to score while Diarmuid Marsden is finally delivering on the promise hinted at in his schooldays. This game will give Armagh a good indication of their championship aspirations and they could well come a way with a win.
London v Donegal, Ruislip
Merely the icing on the cake for Donegal, who are already assured of their place in the quarter-finals. The long haul to London shouldn't present any undue difficulties for the county (even though they are without Jimmy McGuinness - arguably the find of the league - who sustained a hand injury requiring 15 stitches in Tralee's Sigerson Cup success last week) and should emphasise the gap in class between the two sides.
Westmeath v Antrim, Mullingar
Not much at stake, other than to avoid a place in the nether regions next season. The losers will be doomed to a place in Division Four - and Antrim seem the more likely lads to claim that unwanted distinction.
Longford v Meath, Pearse Park
Meath make the trip to Longford requiring a win if they are to claim a place in Division Two next season. Their league form has been somewhat erratic but they should manage to negotiate this particular hurdle and finish off the campaign with a win.
Section C
Dublin v Kerry, Parnell Park
A throwback to the good old days, but with a difference. The ignominy of a place in Division Three next season awaits the losers of this particular engagement, although the respective managers, Tommy Carr and Paidi O Se, will also cast an eye ahead to championship days which are approaching faster than either would probably wish. Kerry conquered all before them last season (winning the league, the Munster championship and the All-Ireland) but have found it hard to manage without the magic of Maurice Fitzgerald in this campaign. A win away to Monaghan the last day out suggests things are not as bad as they seemed but, equally, Dublin's performance in winning in Tyrone showed a good deal of character. Kerry are without Fitzgerald, Mike Francis Russell and Denis O'Dwyer, while Dublin, deprived of the Erin's Isle contingent, have Jason Sherlock back in the side for his first league game under Carr. Dublin may have enough irons in the fire to secure a place in Division Two.
Tyrone v Monaghan, Omagh
Tyrone were a poor imitation of their true selves the last day against Dublin, but the return to the side of Peter Canavan (fit again after a rib injury) and Jody Gormley should provide them with the necessary firepower to beat Monaghan and claim a quarter-final place, although the this depends on what happens to Sligo. If both Tyrone and Sligo win, then it will come down to scoring averages - and make for some interesting calculations at the end of the day. Anyway, Tyrone should accomplish their primary aim of victory and then leave the mathematicians to work it all out.
Cavan v Sligo, Breffni Park
Sligo are in precisely the same position as Tyrone, their rivals for the second place in the section. They must win (preferably by the biggest margin possible) and hope it is enough. Sligo's form in the current campaign has been a breath of fresh air and they have well and truly rid themselves of the Cinderella tag. Expect them to claim another notable scalp in the form of the Ulster champions tomorrow.
Wexford v Offaly, Gorey
A match which won't change anything. Offaly are already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals (and Division One next season).
Section D
Wicklow v Cork, Aughrim
Cork have bounded around the muddy fields of this league campaign with all the enthusiasm of spring lambs. Their reward is six wins and one defeat in seven games and the establishment of a cushion that they would have to lose by some 20 points tomorrow not to claim a place in the knockout stages. Such a situation won't happen. Cork recall Brian Corcoran (recovered from a broken finger) and Ciaran O'Sullivan to the side and call up Brian Collins and Michael Monaghan for the visit to Aughrim. Manager Larry Tompkins says he wishes to keep their unbeaten run going.
Roscommon v Down, Elphin
This game is likely to keep Kildare followers on tenterhooks. Kildare have already finished their league campaign (with 12 points) and a win for Down here would mean they'd lose out to the northerners on points average, the contentious way which will separate sides who finish level on points. However, it isn't a formality that Down will actually win this game.
Waterford v Limerick, Stradbally
Nothing at stake in this game, except pride.
The game between Clare and Tipperary has been rescheduled for March 29th as Clare are currently on holidays.
