Michael Murphy, Donegal, and Brian Fenton, Dublin, in 2018 All Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Group Phase action at Croke Park.
Allianz Football League Division One
Saturday February 22
Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, 7pm
Sunday February 23
Kerry v Meath, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1pm
Galway v Tyrone, Tuam Stadium, 2pm
Monaghan v Mayo, Clones, 2pm
By Cian O'Connell
Unsurprisingly it has been a keenly contested start to Division One which is reflected in the standings.
Seven teams have accumulated at least three points with Meath the only county yet to register.
That is why Sunday's trip to Killarney carries such significance for Meath, who know that a defiant display must be summoned.
The home losses to Donegal and Mayo hurt deeply ensuring Andy McEntee's charges will be primed for the trip south.
Being more clinical converting chances is what McEntee is demanding, but the Royals know a tricky tussle awaits.
Kerry drew with Dublin, finished strongly to beat Galway before losing narrowly to Tyrone.
Now Peter Keane's outfit face an important game on home turf fully aware that a win will leave them in a healthy position.
The previous evening at Croke Park a lively tussle between Dublin and Donegal is anticipated.
Dublin's two Croke Park encounters thus far have ended in stalemates against the Kingdom and Monaghan.
A gritty road win over Mayo was an encouraging result with Dessie Farrell by the character and commitment demonstrated.
Galway captain Shane Walsh has been effective in the early rounds of the Allianz Football League.
Despite being under severe pressure initially when Monaghan visited GAA headquarters Dublin, prompted by the splendid Sean Bugler, stayed the distance to eke out a share of the spoils.
That is precisely what Donegal felt they should have got when Galway visited Letterkenny recently.
Ultimately, though, Donegal were left to reflect on the fact that a seven point advantage was squandered as Galway staged a dramatic recovery mission.
Declan Bonner is quietly integrating promising new footballers into the panel, while Paddy McBrearty is also expected to return to competitive action imminently.
Tuam Stadium provides the backdrop on Sunday for the meeting of Galway and Tyrone, who have both collected two wins from three fixtures.
Tyrone did what was required in Edendork to overcome Kerry and will want to test themselves in the west.
Galway's more expansive style is earning admirers, but more importantly a couple of victories have also been lodged into the account.
Following the late setback in Tralee when Kerry punished a lapse in concentration, Padraic Joyce was satisfied with Galway's willingness to graft when edging out Dongeal.
Tyrone, though, represent another significant test for a developing Galway team.
GALWAY (v Tyrone): Connor Gleeson; Seán Kelly, Seán O Maolchiaráin, Johnny Heaney; Gary O'Donnell, Liam Silke, Cillian McDaid; Ronan Steede, Cein D'Arcy; Eamonn Brannigan, Damien Comer, Michael Daly; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Adrian Varley.
KERRY (v Meath): Shane Ryan; Graham O'Sullivan, Tadhg Morley, Tom O'Sullivam; Paul Murphy, Shane Enright, Gavin White; Liam Kearney, Jack Barry; Mícheál Burns, Seán O'Shea, Stephen O'Brien; Dara Moynihan, David Clifford, Paul Geaney.
MAYO (v Monaghan): Robert Hennelly; Padraig O'Hora, Oisin Mullin, Lee Keegan; Eoghan McLaughlin, Michael Plunkett, Paddy Durcan; Stephen Coen, Aidan O'Shea; Fergal Boland, Ryan O'Donoghue, Diarmuid O'Connor; Kevin McLoughlin, Darren Coen, James Carr.
