The final round of National League games are upon us. Some teams have much to aim for, some teams have much to try and get away from, and some are just getting another run-out.
The Racket:
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Here's our National Football League accumulator. Sixteen games. Put down a €1 to win €3,800.
Division 1
Roscommon v Dublin
Mayo arrived into a sodden Hyde Park last week with a cleverly concealed pin for the Roscommon balloon. They took great delight in pricking it.
The Dubs stopped losing these sorts of matches years ago.
Dublin win (2/5)
Mayo v Down
The word is that if Down can get into double scores here, their supporters will mount a pitch invasion. Possibly the worst team to ever find themselves in Division 1. They are unlikely to prove too much of an impediment in Mayo's quest for survival.
Mayo win (1/20)
Kerry v Cork
Following the obligatory slow start to the League, a constant in the Eamon Fitzmaurice era, Kerry shook themselves from their slumber a couple of weeks early this year. A win will confirm their semi-final spot.
Kerry win (8/15)
Monaghan v Donegal
Aside from a late snatched victory in Kiltoom and an impressive showing against the Dubs, Monaghan's form in the League has been ropey and has gotten worse in recent weeks. Donegal are also off the back of three losses but they've shown more this year.
Donegal win (11/10)
Division 2
Cavan v Galway
The big one in Division 2. A proper promotion shootout. Galway have forgotten what it's like to finish a game without it being a draw.
Cavan's form looks strong having won four on the spin. But Galway will benefit from this being in Breffni. Their form away from home has been superior to their form in Salthill.
Galway win (7/4)
Fermanagh v Tyrone
We were tempted to say that already promoted Tyrone would take a rest this week, like an Italian soccer team with nothing to play for. But Tyrone are a grim ruthless bunch. They'll do enough to win in Fermanagh.
Tyrone win (2/5)
Armagh v Derry
Armagh have shown signs of life in the last couple of weeks and are more in need of the win than Derry who have nothing to gain this weekend. After a spirited draw against Tyrone and a sickening draw against Galway, we predict Armagh to get the win this time.
Armagh win (evens)
Laois v Meath
Both have endured drab League campaigns. The meeting of the ha'penny and the tuppence ha'penny as someone who came of age before Balls.ie might put it. Considering the free-conceding nature of the home defence, we give it to Meath.
Meath win (evens)
Division 3
Longford v Westmeath
The subsidence racked arena formerly known as Fortress Pearse Park houses this clash of midland neighbours. The home team's form has been more impressive this spring. In dispatching Tipp a couple of weeks, their forwards looked especially tasty.
Also, anger at the fact that all four TDs in that constituency come from Westmeath should power Longford to victory.
Longford win (13/8)
Limerick v Offaly
Already relegated Limerick will presumably not have too much motivation to halt an Offaly team hankering after a double promotion.
Offaly win (8/15)
Sligo v Tipperary
A near impossible one to call. Tipp probably boast more potential but we tentatively give it to Sligo on home advnatage.
Sligo win (evens)
Kildare v Clare
Division 3 hasn't quite been a gimme for Kildare. Sligo upset everyone at Newbridge a couple of weeks back. Still, they're promoted with a game remaining.
Kildare (1/3)
Division 4
Waterford v Leitrim
Waterford currently lie 32nd out of 32 teams in the League but we reckon home advantage in Dungarvan should give them a slight edge. Leitrim have never scaled the heights in League or Championship since the early 90s, but these days they are mired in irrelevant obscurity more than ever.
Waterford win (10/11)
Wexford v Carlow
Dismal for Wexford to find themselves plumbing such depths - and consigned to not escaping them at this attempt - but they should have too much for Carlow at home.
Wexford win (1/4)
Antrim v Louth
Two teams with little to worry about. A dress rehearsal for the League final. Antrim deserve to be favourites on the basis of home advantage and their position on top.
Antrim win (8/15)
London v Wicklow
Ross Donovan talked about the terror of travelling to Ruislip for a Gaelic football match a while back. It could be tight this time too but we give it to Wicklow. Just.
Wicklow win (5/6)
