Allianz Football League Division Two

Saturday March 2

Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, 7pm

Retaining Division Two status is what Tipperary and Cork are striving to do and both counties need to secure positive results quickly.

While Ronan McCarthy has afforded young players plenty of chances in the League they have suffered three defeats in a row since drawing away to Fermanagh.

Tipperary, who have been impacted by injuries also, did enjoy a fine victory over Donegal, but the loss against Armagh was a setback.

Ultimately it means that the Saturday evening Semple Stadium encounter matters deeply because whoever loses will be in severe difficulty with only a couple of matches remaining.

TIPPERARY: Michael O'Reilly; Alan Campbell, John Meagher, Emmett Moloney; Kevin Fahey, Daire Brennan, Jimmy Feehan; Steven O'Brien, Liam Casey; Liam Boland, Liam McGrath, Brian Fox; Philip Austin, Conor Sweeney, Jack Kennedy.

CORK: Micheal Aodh Martin; Sam Ryan, Kevin Flahive, Conor Dennehy; Kevin Crowley, Thomas Clancy, Mattie Taylor; Ian Maguire, Killian O'Hanlon; Mark Collins, Luke Connolly, Ruairi Deane; Michael Hurley, Brian Hurley, Paul Kerrigan.

Donegal v Armagh, Ballybofey, 7.15pm

Another important game at Ballybofey as Armagh and Donegal want to attain promotion.

Both counties have accumulated four points thus far, but Donegal were disappoiinted to be beaten by Tipperary and Fermanagh.

Declan Bonner will be demanding a response, but Armagh gained confidence and two vital points when outwitting Tipperary at the Athletic Grounds.

Draws against Kildare and Clare provided encouraging moments for Kieran McGeeney's charges, who won the Division Three crown in 2018.

Getting back into the top tier, though, is the target and if it is to be achieved Armagh need to collect victories.

Armagh's direct style is widely regarded and with some key players available again they remain hopeful about making an impact in the 2019 League and Championship.

Sunday March 3

Meath v Kildare, Pairc Tailteann, 2pm

While a lapse in concentration cost Meath dearly against Donegal the Royals are beginning to generate momentum.

Last weekend's triumph over Cork was a satisfactory result as Barry Dardis and Gavin McCoy struck goals.

Andy McEntee wants to guide Meath back into Division One, but this game against Kildare will be tricky.

The Lilywhites, with Eoin Doyle, Kevin Feely, Jimmy Hyland, and Neil Flynn all prominent gleaned the spoils when Clare visited Newbridge.

That Kildare success arrived following a disappointing defeat in Enniskillen, but the next Navan test will be revealing.

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O'Grady, David Hyland; Cian O'Donoghue, Eoin Doyle, Peter Kelly; Kevin Feely, Tommy Moolick; Paddy Brophy, Fergal Conway, Keith Cribbin; Neil Flynn, Ben McCormack, Jimmy Hyland.

Fermanagh v Clare, Brewster Park, 2pm

Fermanagh, the only unbeaten team in Division Two, entertain Clare, who will be anxious to produce a much improved performance after the Kildare loss.

That was a blow for the Banner, who know that a demanding encounter awaits because Fermanagh have won two and drawn two of their four fixtures.

Jamie Malone's form offers a source of optimism for Clare, who will want to conclude the spring by carving out some wins.

Rory Gallagher's outfit finished strongly to overcome Donegal and that result means they are eyeing a second successive promotion.

Still only three points divides top from seventh so things can change extremely quickly.