Kerry defeated Dublin in the 2017 Allianz Football League Final at Croke Park.
Saturday March 10
Allianz Football League Division One
Tyrone v Donegal, Healy Park, 7pm
Retaining Division One status is the brief so Tyrone and Donegal crave a victory.
The stakes are piled high because Donegal, despite some plucky performances, have only registered a single win.
Tyrone’s tally has two points also so this promises to be a keenly contested affair.
During the past few weeks Michael Murphy has returned following injury. Will the Glenswilly talisman be stationed inside alongside the potent Paddy McBrearty?
TYRONE: Niall Morgan; Michael McKernan, Ronan McNamee, Cathal McCarron; Conor Meyler, Padraig Hampsey, Kieran McGeary; Colm Cavanagh, Padraig McNulty; Mattie Donnelly, Niall Sludden, Peter Harte; Lee Brennan, Connor McAliskey, Mark Bradley.
Allianz Football League Division Two
Cavan v Down, Kingspan Breffni, 7pm
It has been a hugely encouraging start to the year for a revitalised and revamped Cavan.
Mattie McGleenan's team have earned three wins and a draw and currently sit in pole position.
This game against Down, Ulster finalists in 2017, will be a good indicator for both outfits.
CAVAN: Raymond Galligan; Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Conor Brady; Martin Reilly, Ciaran Brady, Enda Flanagan; Killian Clarke, Bryan Magee; Dara McVeety, Conor Moynagh, Oisin Kiernan; Niall Clerkin, Gearoid McKiernan, Caoimhin O'Reilly.
Allianz Football League Division Three
Wexford v Offaly, Enniscorthy, 3pm
Wexford and Offaly both want to avoid relegation and whoever prevails will have a chance of realising that objective.
Both teams have suffered four straight losses each so far meaning this fixture carries real significance.
Armagh v Derry, Athletic Grounds, 7pm
Armagh want to return to Division Two and another home victory would edge them closer to that destination.
Kieran McGeeney's team has performed adequately to date, but Derry, who have only claimed one success, will be determined to make an impact in this game.
ARMAGH: Blaine Hughes; Patrick Burns, Oisin Lappin, Paul Hughes; Niall Rowland, Gregory McCabe, Joe McElroy; Stephen Sheridan, Charlie Vernon; Ben Crealey, Aidan Forker, Niall Grimley; Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Ethan Rafferty.
Allianz Football League Division Four
Limerick v Waterford, Martinstown, 7pm
The bottom two in the standings clash on Saturday evening.
Waterford have been unlucky in a couple of their three defeats, but Limerick will be eager to record a victory.
Carlow v Wicklow, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7pm
Carlow continue to push for promotion, but they will treat Wicklow's challenge with care and respect.
Turlough O'Brien's evolving side have won their first four fixtures, Wicklow have registered two draws.
Wicklow did divide the spoils with a fancied Antrim so Carlow will be striving to land another success in front of a passionate home audience.
Galway have made an impressive start to the year in the Allianz Football League.
Sunday March 11
Allianz Football League Division One
Galway v Monaghan, Pearse Stadium, 12.30pm
Two of the in form teams in Division One collide in Salthill. Galway are heartened by four straight wins, Monaghan’s response to a loss against Mayo was to reel off three victories on the spin.
That is why this match is eagerly anticipated because both outfits acknowledge it will be revealing.
Kevin Walsh can reflect with the utmost of satisfaction on Galway’s return to the top tier, but Monaghan remain a wonderfully spirited and resourceful panel.
How Malachy O’Rourke has kept Monaghan relevant while integrating young talent is notable. Galway, though, are beginning to generate momentum.
Kildare v Mayo, Newbridge, 2pm
A game with severe implications for whoever is defeated.
Kildare’s spring so far has been an unfortunate tale of harrowing losses, while Mayo have suffered too.
The last gasp success over Monaghan on the opening weekend offered hope, but the Green and Red have struggled since then.
Mayo will bring a big crowd and a determined collection of footballers to Newbridge. If relegation is to avoided two points need to be pocketed.
KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Peter Kelly, David Hyland, Mick O'Grady; Cian O'Donoghue, Eoin Doyle, Johnny Byrne; Kevin Feely, Tommy Moolick; Fergal Conway, Niall Kelly, Paul Cribbin; David Slattery, Daniel Flynn, Paddy Brophy.
Dublin v Kerry, Croke Park, 4pm
This is exactly the type of environment in which Eamonn Fitzmaurice will want to test his budding young talent.
Wins over Donegal and Mayo were decent spins for Kerry, the defeats against Monaghan and Galway a reminder of the importance of remaining concentrated at all times.
Dublin will certainly exploit any uncertainty, but it will be interesting to see how Kerry’s promising forwards motor at GAA headquarters in the senior ranks. They flourished on this stage as minors.
DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Jonny Cooper, David Byrne, Eric Lowndes; James McCarthy, Cian O'Sullivan, John Small; Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh MacAuley; Niall Scully, Ciaran Kilkenny, Brian Howard; Paddy Andrews, Dean Rock, Colm Basquel.
KERRY: Shane Murphy; Shane Enright, Jason Foley, Ronan Shanahan; Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, Brian O Beaglaoich; Jack Barry, Barry O'Sullivan; Micheal Burns, Sean O'Shea, Adrian Spillane; David Clifford, Paul Geaney, Kevin McCarthy.
Roscommon manager Kevin McStay.
Allianz Football League Division Two
Tipperary v Louth, Semple Stadium, 12.30pm
Tipperary have provided glimpses of their potential, especially in attack, but this encounter against Louth is vital.
In a condensed group a win would put Tipp seriously in the promotion hunt, while a loss would mean relegation pressures.
That is what Louth are coping with presently following four defeats in a row, but Pete McGrath's young panel hope to spring a surprise.
TIPPERARY: Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, John Meagher, Kevin Fahey; Bill Maher, Robbie Kiely, Jimmy Feehan; Steven O'Brien, Liam Casey; Josh Keane, Jason Lonergan, Brian Fox; Conor Sweeney, Michael Quinlivan, Liam McGrath.
Clare v Roscommon, Cusack Park, 2pm
Another fixture between two teams who have shown some flashes of their ability.
Clare took plenty of heart from the win over Down - a crucial result for Colm Collins' team.
Roscommon, though, want to return to the top tier so Kevin McStay will be aware of the importance of this tricky trip to Ennis.
ROSCOMMON: James Featherston; Sean McDermott, John McManus, Peter Domican; Ronan Daly, David Murray, Niall Daly; Tadgh O'Rourke, Cathal Compton; Ciarain Murtagh, Niall Kilroy, Conor Devaney; Donie Smith, Ciaran Lennon, Diarmuid Murtagh.
Meath v Cork, Pairc Tailteann, 3pm
There was a time in the late 80s and early 90s when this was the rivalry in Gaelic Football.
The ambition in Meath and Cork will always be strong, but victory for either would relaunch their promotion prospects.
Meath have suffered a couple of disappointing losses so Andy McEntee will be anxious for the Royals to improve considerably.
CORK: Mark White; Kevin Flahive, Jamie O'Sullivan, Matthew Taylor; Kevin Crowley, Brian O'Driscoll, Tomas Clancy; Ian Maguire, Cillian O'Hanlon; Kevin O'Driscoll, Sean White, Ruairi Deane; John O'Rourke, Colm O'Neill, Mark Collins.
New Sligo manager Cathal Corey.
Allianz Football League Division Three
Sligo v Longford, Markievicz Park, 2pm
Longford's solid opening to the campaign has been one of the notable aspects of the Allianz League.
Dennis Connerton's hard working and quietly effective collection of footballers have won three matches and were unfortunate to lose against table toppers Armagh.
For Sligo retaining their place in this Division is the mission and two points are required in the north west on Sunday.
Westmeath v Fermanagh, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm
New managers Colin Kelly and Rory Gallagher can reflect on morale boosting starts to the year.
Westmeath have claimed three wins from four, while Fermanagh bring a flawless record to the midlands.
There has been plenty to admire in Westmeath and Fermanagh's approach also so this should be lively.
Allianz Football League Division Four
London v Laois, Ruislip, 1pm
With Gary Walsh in prolific scoring form Laois have earned four successive victories.
Demanding matches with Antrim and Carlow are still on the agenda, while this trip to London could be awkward too.
Ciaran Deely has London moving in the right direction and they have been extremely competitive this spring.
