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Division 3: Derry vs Longford Preview

Derry vs Longford sees last year’s Division 4 winners attempt to put themselves in a promotion battle ahead of round 7. However, Longford have Cork in the final round so they know that this could be their best chance to leave themselves in the mix for a step up.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Derry v Longford, Celtic Park, 4.30pm Preview and live score commentary

Only Down could beat Longford before the lockdown. A draw with Offaly is the only other blemish on their otherwise perfect record. Denis Connerton will not be complaining about the new suspension of club activity. The Longford Club Championship had already suffered setbacks and was only at the semi-final stage. As a result, the county manager would not have had some of his players available until a week before the game in Celtic Park. However, he will now have a full contingent to train with.

On the other hand, Derry started 2020 by kicking-on from the League performance in 2019. After winning Division 4, Derry proved to be more than able to compete in Division 3. Most recently, they were just two points shy of Cork in an exciting 3-13 to 3-11 game in March. Otherwise, convincing wins over Louth and Tipperary could only be overshadowed by a loss to Down. This came after an opening round draw to Leitrim.

In the Club scene, Slaughtneil returned to the summit. But, the Championship has been more competitive in recent years which will only be to manager Rory Gallagher’s benefit.

Derry have a tough Ulster Championship ahead of them. On November 1st, they host Armagh. If Derry can bring their League form to the Championship this year they may be able to compete in a tough province.

Meanwhile, Longford also start their Championship on November 1st. Division 3 rivals Louth are their opponents. Denis Connerton will be hoping to replicate their win against the Wee County in January.

Allianz National League: Derry vs Longford, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Celtic Park).

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Tipperary vs Offaly: Division 3 League Preview

Tipperary vs Offaly is an important tie in Division 3 as a win for the Premier County will give them the advantage in the fight for survival. Currently, Tipperary are outside the dropzone only on points difference. Offaly are two points ahead of them. But, with two tough games remaining John Maughan’s side need a point from somewhere to guarantee survival.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Tipperary v Offaly, Semple Stadium, 2pm Preview and live score commentary

Offaly are ahead of Tipperary courtesy of wins over Leitrim and Louth. Furthermore, a draw with Longford could prove to be a very important point.

On the other hand, Tipperary have just one win under their belt. This was a single point victory over Louth. But, they were unfortunate not to defeat either of the top two teams in the Division. Firstly, they drew 0-10 to 0-10 against Down. Secondly, they were unlucky to go down 0-21 to 3-13 against Cork.

Tipperary were relegated from Division 2 last season. With this in mind, they aim to pick up their form when inter-county action resumes. Two relegations in succession would be a massive fall from grace for 2016’s All-Ireland semi-finalists.

The Championship is being played on a straight knock-out format this year. Therefore, Offaly will be content with survival in the League. After that, their sights will turn to the Leinster Championship game against Carlow.

But, Tipperary will have to put in two good league performances before they can focus on the Munster quarter-final with Clare.

Allianz National League Division 3: Tipperary vs Offaly, Sunday October 18th, 2pm (Thurles).

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Wicklow vs Antrim – Division 4 Football League Preview

Saturday sees the return of inter-county action for the first time since the beginning of March. In Division 4, Wicklow vs Antrim marks the return to action. Just a point separate these teams in the table with the Ulster side second behind Limerick.

Allianz Football Division 4 round 6
Wicklow v Antrim, Aughrim, 12.30pm Preview and live score commentary

Wicklow suffered defeats to Carlow and Limerick before the lockdown. But, three wins against Sligo, Waterford, and London means they still have a real chance of promotion. A win over Antrim would go a long way in the Leinster side’s favour. Firstly, they would leapfrog Antrim in the table. Secondly, Sligo and Wexford are currently level with Wicklow in the lead so they cannot afford to lose ground with just two games remaining. In fact, their round 7 game is with Wexford. Hence, it could be a promotion shootout.

On the other hand, Antrim have only suffered defeat once in the League to date. This came at the hands of Sligo. Furthermore, a draw against Carlow has left them a point shy of the top of the Division. The suspension of football in March came at a bad time for Antrim. They had just beaten Limerick to put themselves in contention for the title. Now, they will have to find their form quickly after a long absence.

In round 7, Antrim host Waterford. As a result, the game with Wicklow is likely the most important of their remaining fixtures. A win will set them up for a good finish and potential promotion. However, a loss would likely condemn them to a mid-table finish.

Wicklow won’t pull any punches in this game. Their round 7 tie with Wexford is a preview of their Leinster Championship opener on November 1st. Therefore, manager Davy Burke may refrain from showing his strongest hand. Instead, some of his big guns will be deployed against Antrim for match practice.

In contrast, Antrim have an extra week before they began their Championship campaign. They are scheduled to play the winners of Monaghan and Cavan on the 7th of November.

Allianz National League Division 4: Wicklow vs Antrim, Saturday October 17th, 12.30pm (Aughrim). 

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Division 4 Football Preview & live scores : Carlow vs Sligo

The Division 4 game of Carlow vs Sligo is the Leinster side’s only opportunity for competitive match practice ahead of the Championship. This is because of the cancellation of their round 7 game against London.

Allianz Football Division 4 round 6
Carlow v Sligo, Netwatch Cullen Park, 5pm Preview and live score commentary

Currently, Sligo sit two points ahead of Carlow. Wins over London, Antrim and Wexford have them on 6 points. However, losses to Wicklow and Waterford mean that promotion is a big ask. But, two wins in their remaining two fixtures could see them go up if other results go their way.

In a similar way, Carlow have two defeats on their record. These came against Wexford and Limerick after an opening win over Wicklow. Then, draws with Antrim and Waterford ruled out any potential promotion. Yet, Carlow have the blessing of a guaranteed two points from round 7 due to London’s inability to play. Therefore, there is nothing to stop them from giving everything against Sligo in hopes of a respectable finish.

These are the two sides who suffered relegation from Division 3 in 2019. As it stands, it does not look likely that either team is on course for immediate resurrection. But, the middle of the table is very condensed and two good performances from Sligo could see them jump towards the top.

The Connacht side need to hit the ground running. Their Championship begins on November 7th away to Galway. They will be obvious underdogs but, in a straight knock-out Championship, just two wins could have them in an All-Ireland semi-final.

In contrast, Carlow begin their Championship a week earlier. They play Offaly on November 1st in the first round of the Leinster Championship. With this in mind, they will be grateful for the recovery they will get instead of playing round 7 of the League.

Allianz National League Division 4: Carlow vs Sligo, Saturday October 17th, 5pm (Netwatch Cullen Park).

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Limerick vs Wexford: Division 4 Football Preview & Live scores

Limerick vs Wexford could be the decider for top spot in Division 4 if the Munster team prevail and other results go their way. But, if Wexford come out on top they would be level with Limerick and the title will be decided in round 7.

Allianz Football Division 4 round 6
Limerick v Wexford, Rathkeale, 3pm Preview and live score commentary

There was big news from Wexford recently as Paul Galvin stepped down from his role as manager. Galvin cited ‘the new time and travel commitments involved’ as the reason for his departure after his family’s relocation to the West of Ireland. Now, Shane Roche takes over as interim manager after serving as a member of Galvin’s team.

Previously, Galvin had a record of three wins and two losses in the League. The defeats came against Sligo and Antrim. On the other hand, wins over London, Waterford, and Carlow have Wexford in the running for the title. Both Wicklow and Sligo share Wexford’s record though so there is no room for error if the Leinster side are to gain promotion.

Meanwhile, it’s Limerick’s title to lose. Currently, they sit top of Division 4 but are just a single point ahead of Antrim. Furthermore, the triad of Wexford, Wicklow, and Sligo could all draw level if the Connacht side trump them in round 6. Most recently, Antrim inflicted the first defeat of the League on Limerick in March. As a result, Billy Lee’s side could use the lockdown to regroup and reset before going on to contest the title.

The current standings make this the most competitive Division of the four. For example, five teams are still in the running. In addition round 7 sees Sligo host Limerick and Wexford vs Wicklow.

As important as the Limerick game is, Roche will have one eye on the Wexford tie. This is because it is the same opponent in the Leinster Championship opener on November 1st. In Munster, Limerick travel to Waterford for the provincial quarter-final.

Allianz National League Division 4: Limerick vs Wexford, Sunday October 18th, 1pm (Rathkeale). 

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Nations League round up as curtain closes on international break

Nations League results as Ireland slump to defeat in Helsinki

In League B’s Group 4, Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat against Finland in what was another disappointing result for the boys in green. The only goal of the match came through Fredrik Jensen, a man Ireland fans will be familiar with having also scored the winner in the Aviva. The goal was a result of an uncustomary mistake from Darren Randolph, who carelessly gave the ball away which resulted in simple finish. The loss means Ireland remain in 3rd, but are looming dangerously close to an automatic relegation spot.

Elsewhere in the group, Wales’ late winner against Bulgaria mean they remain on top of the table by 1 point.

In League A, Poland trounced Bosnia with a 3-0 win in Group 1. Bosnia did themselves no favours after getting a man sent off just 14 minutes into the game. Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski exploited Bosnian misfortune by netting a brace. This result means that Poland jump above Italy and Netherlands after they played out a 1-1 draw elsewhere in the group.

Group 2 seen Denmark defeat England in what was a disastrous performance from Harry Maguire. Maguire picked up his second yellow in the 31st minute which led to Christian Eriksen converting from the spot. His performance will only have further compounded his misery after a turbulent few weeks. England now drop to 3rd, having been in 1st before yesterday’s fixtures.

Belgium also defeated Iceland 2-1 with Romelu Lukaku impressing as he scored 2 goals. Belgium have now leapfrogged England to claim 1st position in the group.

Group 3 standings remained the same as France defeated Croatia and a Diego Jota inspired Portugal comfortably dispatched of Sweden. The newly signed Liverpool man claimed an assist and two goals in what was a man of the match performance, showing that he could do the business in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence.

There were no group 4 matches played yesterday. Spain remain top of the group on 7 points despite a shock loss to Ukraine on Tuesday. Germany and the aforementioned Ukraine are just one point behind on 6 points.

Back to League B and Norway overcame Northern Ireland by way of a Stuart Dallas own goal in Group 1. Erling Braut Haaland failed to find his form against the North after netting his first international hat trick against Romania on Sunday. He will however be happy with Norway’s league position as they remain 2nd, only level on points with Austria.

On the topic of Austria, they managed to overcome Romania in a match which ended 1-0.

Scotland retained their 100% unbeaten record in Group 2 with a win against Czech Republic, despite being dominated for much of the game. Ryan Fraser scored the only goal of the game after some great work by Lyndon Dykes to ensure the win.

Israel and Slovakia played out a memorable game in the same group, with a late Eran Zahavi goal awarding Israel a 3-2 scoreline. Zahavi will be taking home the match ball after scoring 2 goals prior to his winner in what was a man of the match performance. He will be hoping to make his mark on the Dutch league having recently signed for PSV Eindhoven.

There were two draws in group 3 as Russia played out a stalemate with Hungary and Turkey drew 2-2 with Serbia. The results mean that Russia remain on top with 8 points, having not lost so far in the group.

Onto League C and there were no matches played in Group 1 yesterday. Luxembourg and Montenegro are currently battling for promotion to League B as both teams are stuck on 9 points.

Group 2 seen two 1-1 draws with Estonia playing Armenia and North Macedonia facing Georgia. North Macedonia and Georgia are level on top with 6 points while Armenia lurk just behind on 5 points.

Perhaps the best team in League C, Slovenia stayed atop of Group 3 as they slotted 4 past Moldova while maintaining a clean sheet. Haris Vuckic bagged a hat trick as he finished two opportunities from the spot.

Elsewhere in the group, Greece and Kosovo played out a scoreless draw despite Greece controlling a large majority of the game. Arijanet Muric didn’t make it easy for Greece as he produced a man of the match performance in the net for Kosovo. Greece are just 2 points off top while Kosovo and Moldova are embroiled in a relegation battle.

Group 4 seen Belarus defeat Kazakhstan while Lithuania managed a scoreless draw against Albania. Albania are underachieving in the group so far, sitting in 3rd while Belarus remain on top and Lithuania remain in 2nd.

All of League D’s matches were played on Tuesday so there was no fixtures yesterday.

Faroe Islands sit comfortably on top of Group 1 with Malta in 2nd, Latvia in 3rd and Andorra sitting at the bottom of the table.

Gibraltar have a 100% winning record in Group 2 and remain on top while Liechtenstein are two points behind in 2nd. Minnows San Marino are stuck at the bottom of the table, but they will be happy as they managed to gather their first ever Nations League point with a draw against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Best Performers:  Eran Zahavi, Robert Lewandowski, Diego Jota, Haris Vuckic, Arijanet Muric

 

Transfer Watch: English Domestic Deadline Day Deals

Said Benrahma to West Ham

It is being reported by Sky Sports that Brentford winger Said Benrahma is undergoing a medical at West Ham. The 25-year-old has impressed in the Championship over the last two seasons, scoring 27 goals. His Brentford side fell at the last hurdle last season, losing to Fulham in the play-off final. This has inevitably paved the way for a move for the Algerian attacker. Other clubs including Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Leeds United were reportedly interested in his services throughout the window. However it is West Ham who look to have won the race with a £30m bid.

Karlan Grant to West Brom

Huddersfield Town striker Karlan Grant is close to sealing a move to the top flight. West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has been looking to add a forward to his squad and now it appears he’s got his man. Grant made the move up to the Championship in January 2019, and flourished at that level scoring 19 goals last term. The fee agreed between the two clubs is reported at £15m. Grant is expected to sign a six year deal at the Hawthorns.

Outgoings at Leeds

Young midfielder Robbie Gotts has had plenty of interest in him during the course of the window. According to Leeds United reported Phil Hay, Lincoln City have come out on top, with Gotts set to sign on loan for the League 1 side. Left-back Barry Douglas is also expected to head for the exit door with Blackburn Rovers close to securing a deal. In terms of players coming in, director of football Victor Orta hinted at interest in Todd Cantwell and Louie Sibley but admitted the likelihood of any incomings is slim due to the club’s net spend thus far.

Further reinforcements at the back for Fulham

Another player could be on the way out at Huddersfield Town. This time it’s Swiss defender Terence Kongolo. After a disappointing start to this season and the blame weighing heavy on the defence, Fulham had to take the plunge in the last hours of the International transfer market. Central defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen have already arrived and it appears Kongolo may also be following suit.

Potentially making a move in the opposite direction is Anthony Knockaert, with Nottingham Forrest keen on the winger.

Others to keep an eye on

Despite impressing in recent loan spells, Jurgen Klopp cannot find a place for Harry Wilson in his Liverpool squad. Swansea City have had a loan bid rejected but there are plenty more teams that will be interested in the Welshman.

Another Welsh International, Joe Rodon, was linked with a deadline day move to Spurs but a deal never materialized. A deal Rodon still seems way off however the London club may bite the bullet on Friday’s domestic deadline.

It was not long ago we were watching Danny Rose on Amazon Prime’s ‘All or Nothing’ Spurs documentary inquiring about a move to AC Milan. Well things haven’t quite gone to plan for the defender. After being omitted from Jose Mourinho’s Champions League squad, Rose may have to drop down a level to guarantee an increase in game time.

Bournemouth’s Josh King is eyeing a return to the Premier League with Everton and West Ham rumoured to be interested. But with just over a day left, any potential transfer is looking doubtful for the striker.

Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 5 picks and tips

Reviewing the best FPL picks as gameweek 5 commences

FPL returns this weekend after two weeks of international duty. Since then, plenty has happened. The international transfer deadline came about on the 5th of October, one day after the last round of Premier League fixtures were played. Numerous players were signed in which was a busy deadline day, many of whom will be looking to make an impression on the weekend and record valuable FPL points in the process.

Furthermore, several players impressed during the international break and will be going back to their clubs hoping they can replicate that form in the Premier League. Similarly, players not picked for international duty will be looking to prove their national team managers wrong by performing at club level.

Some FPL users will be forced to make changes given injuries during and before the break rendering players unlikely to compete. There is certainly no lack of options to choose from as several players will be itching to impress from Saturday.

Here are our picks for GW5:

Alex Telles – Manchester United – £5.5m

At a price of just £5.5m, Alex Telles is a potential bargain for FPL users. The new Manchester United signing is an attack minded left back who has managed to register a number of goals and assists throughout his career.

He managed 19 goal contributions in 31 league games in the Primeira Liga last season in what was an impressive campaign for the Brazilian. Before his move to Manchester, he also completed 4 goal contributions in 3 games this season.

His attacking output is outstanding for a left back, particularly in comparison to Manchester United’s current left backs, who managed a measly 2 goal contributions in the league last season between them. United face Newcastle at the weekend in a match Telles will be hoping to start.

Just 0.6% of users have picked him so far but we would expect that number to rise over the coming weeks.

Tariq Lamptey – Brighton & Hove Albion – £4.7m

Another full back FPL users should consider is young Brighton full back Tariq Lamptey. Acquired from Chelsea last season, Lamptey has made quite an impression at the Amex despite making just a handful of appearances.

His attacking output isn’t yet as proficient as Alex Telles and some of the other attack minded left backs in the league, but he has shown signs of promise going forward and his numbers will certainly improve over time.

Lamptey is a diminutive, pacey full back capable of evading defenders like they’re not there. He has 1 assist in 4 games so far this season and is now a regular starter at the club, so his contributions will likely increase.

Adama Traoré – Wolverhampton Wanderers – £6.4m

Adama Traoré is on of the most exciting players in the Premier League. Improving season by season, he’s recently added numbers to his game after struggling with his end product for numerous seasons. His recent call up for Spain will also have done his confidence no harm.

He’s failed to get going so far this season with his contribution but much of that was due to factors out of his hand. He’s been forced to play much of the season so far at right wing back given the lack of options in that position after the departure of Matt Doherty. The arrival of Nélson Semedo, however, should mean that Traoré can now revert to his previous position of right winger where he can get down the byline and create chances for his teammates.

Wolves have an easy – on paper – run of fixtures in the next few weeks so Traoré should get back to his electrifying best.

Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur – £9.5m

Bale isn’t full match fit so there are questions as to whether he will start on the weekend, but he’s returned to full training in recent weeks and should at least make a cameo. If Bale does start, he’ll likely be part of a front 3 including Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane, a prospect which should frighten opposition defenders.

Despite criticisms of Mourinho’s negative philosophy in the past, Tottenham have started the season in fine goalscoring form, netting 12 goals in just 4 games so far with Harry Kane seemingly back to his best.

Bale has struggled for Real Madrid in recent seasons due to a combination of off field issues and poor form, but he’s still a quality player.

Returning to the club which played a key role in his development should help Bale get back on track, Spurs fans and FPL owners will be hoping the Welshman can produce a career remontada.

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa – £5.9m

Watkins scored his first Premier League goals and first Premier League hat trick against Liverpool two weeks ago. Watkins has played at several levels in English football – which includes a spell in the National League South – and has managed to be prolific at each.

He scored 25 Championship goals last term which was impressive enough to garner the attention of Aston Villa who took their chance on the striker. Villa have been crying out for a goalscoring centre forward after failing with previous signings, but they may have finally found their man.

Watkins is perfect for users on the lookout for a cheap striker and his display against Liverpool will only have boosted his confidence in front of goal. We suggest picking him up now before his value increases any more.

Jack Grealish – Aston Villa – £7.1m

Another Aston Villa player, Grealish had his breakthrough Premier League campaign last season in which he helped his team to marginally avoid relegation. Villa look a much better outfit this term with some good additions made to the squad – namely Bertrand Traoré, Ross Barkley, Matty Cash and the previously mentioned Ollie Watkins.

They’ve made an incredible start to the season with an 100% winning record after 3 games. Grealish now has much better support than he had last season, in what was effectively a one-man team. He secured 24 FPL points in what was a career defining performance against Liverpool on the 4th of October. He has 6 goal contributions in 3 league games so far and we would expect him to continue his form further into the season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton – £8m

Calvert-Lewin is the most picked player in FPL currently with 48.9% of users opting for the Everton striker and it’s easy to see why. He’s consistently overcome odds during his career with many claiming he wasn’t Premier League standard. He’ll have silenced those doubters with his convincing displays this season.

He improved his proficiency in front of goal last season with a career high of 13 league goals and looks intent on breaking that record with 6 goals in just 4 appearances so far. Everton’s recruitment has been excellent this season, bringing in a number of top players including the formidable James Rodríguez, who has improved the team tenfold. The additions to the squad as well as the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti have helped Calvert-Lewin reach heights he wasn’t capable of previously.

He also managed to score his first England goal during the international break in a season which has all the makings of being a stellar campaign for Calvert-Lewin.

Donegal vs Tyrone – Football League – Preview & Live Score Commentary

Donegal vs Tyrone is the fixture for the Ulster Quarter-Final on the 1st of November. Firstly, these teams have a chance to test each other out in the League. They meet in Ballybofey on Sunday October 18 as inter-county football resumes.

Donegal vs Tyrone Preview & Live Score Commentary

GAA league tables football and hurling

Currently, these two sides are sitting in the middle of Division 1. However, Donegal and Tyrone both have tough round 7 ties against Kerry and Tyrone respectively. As a result, this clash is important for both teams if they wish to be safe from a relegation fight heading into their final game.

The postponement of the League came at a bad time for Tyrone. They had just beaten Dublin in Omagh to bounce back from a trouncing in Galway. Previously, they had wins against Kerry and Meath to overshadow a loss to Monaghan. Four points from their last two games could see Mickey Harte’s team contest the title. But, if results go the opposite way they could easily be leapfrogged and be in relegation trouble.

Meanwhile, Donegal are just a point behind their Ulster rivals. This is courtesy of an earlier draw with Mayo. Wins over Meath and Monaghan came either side of defeats to Galway and Dublin. In a similar way to Tyrone, Donegal could still finish at either end of the table. However, they are more unlikely to go top. Instead, good results from their final two games are important to remain in Division 1. After winning Division 2 to gain promotion in 2019, the 2012 All-Ireland winners will be keen to justify their place among the best.

Championship the Priority

Last weekend, Donegal lost a challenge game to Mayo in Sligo. But, they were without their Kilcar and Naomh Conaill contingent for this game as the sides were scheduled to play the county final. Now, this final is suspended and the likes of Paddy McBrearty and Ryan McHugh will bolster Declan Bonner’s squad.

In Tyrone, all the talk is about Conor McKenna’s return from the AFL. This summer, the 24-year-old announced his return to Ireland after a successful few years with Essendon. If he should link up with the squad, it will provide much needed attacking prowess in Cathal McShane’s absence.

With the Championship fixture between these two the priority, both managers will be cautious of picking up injuries. Therefore, we could see two experimental sides in Ballybofey.

Allianz National League: Donegal vs Tyrone, Sunday October 18th, 4pm (Ballybofey). 

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Galway vs Mayo – League Football – Preview & Live Score Commentary

The Galway vs Mayo rivalry is set to continue as both sides aim to hit the ground running with the return of the Allianz National League. Last summer, Mayo finally overcame their rivals in the final qualifying round of the Championship. Previously, Galway had defeated the Green and Reds five times in a row.

Galway vs Mayo  Preview & Live Score Commentary

Last year, Mayo won the Allianz National League by beating Kerry in the final. However, they could not replicate their form in 2020. Currently, they sit seventh in the League and are fighting for survival. Their only victory to date was against bottom of the table Meath. A draw with Donegal was their only other source of points as losses to Dublin, Kerry, and Monaghan have left them under pressure. They need two good results against Galway and Tyrone in their remaining games to ensure Division 1 status for next year.

In contrast, Galway are in control of the League and will be looking to go on and win it. Currently, they have only lost to Kerry. Wins against Monaghan, Donegal, Tyrone, and Meath had them full of momentum. As a result, they would have been left frustrated by the suspension of inter-county action. But, without a League final this year, good results against Mayo and then Dublin could see them reigned Champions.

Reignited Rivalry

With that in mind, it is possible that Galway will line out with a full-strength squad for their restart. Padraig Joyce has impressed so far in his stint at the helm. For example, his side’s scintillating display against Tyrone in February was a masterclass in attacking football. Add that to a strong selection from impressive Club performers and Galway are the team to beat. With Corofin finally dethroned within the county, there are new stars for Joyce to choose from. If the League is to be decided in the final round against Dublin, Galway need to pick up from where they left off.

Yet, Mayo haven’t gone away despite their League position. Their win against Galway in the Championship last year would have been a big relief after a series of losses. Recent challenge wins over Donegal and Clare are a promising start for James Horan’s team. It will be interesting to see whether any of the newly-crowned Championship winners from Knockmore will receive a call-up. For instance, Darren McHale and Kieran King were particularly impressive as they defeated Breaffy to win the Moclair Cup.

Mayo face a hectic restart with their first Championship game coming on the 1st of November. They face Leitrim in the preliminary round of the Connacht Championship. On the other hand, Galway have an extra week to prepare before they face Sligo in the semi-final.

Team News

Galway are missing a host of players and look to be starting a second string team while Mayo look to be out for the points.

Ahead of this weekend’s inter-county resumption, here is the Galway panel news as Padraic Joyce seeks to bolster his squad. Currently, Galway sit on top of Division 1 and could be crowned Champions with two good performances. However, Mayo and Dublin are their respective opponents so the Tribesmen have no time to ease themselves back to action.

In the Club Championship, kingpins Corofin finally suffered defeat at the hands of Mountbellew/Moylough. Yet, it was another side, Moycullen, who went on to be crowned Champions. In an overall exciting competition, many players stood out and Joyce is taking advantage of this.

Firstly, Corofin’s Gary Sice rejoined the inter-county setup for the first time since 2017. Despite now being 36, the four-time Club All-Ireland Champion is a great offering to Joyce’s side. His form with Corofin more than justifies his inclusion. Furthermore, the experience he offers is an invaluable asset.

In addition to Sice, James Foley (Mountbellew/Moylough), John Maher (Salthill/Knocknacarra), and Paul Kelly (Moycullen) all received calls to joins to the county panel.

These additions are much needed and the players will need to hit the ground running at the higher level. This is due to several injuries already hampering the side.

Firstly, captain Shane Walsh looks unlikely to feature in the League this weekend. The Kilkerrin-Clonberne forward was arguably the in-form play in the country before the lockdown. But, an injury picked up while on club duty has Joyce sweating over his fitness. Even if available, Joyce may not risk his marquee player before the Championship.

Secondly, Corofin midfielder Ronan Steede will miss the Mayo game but Joyce is confident he is not far from a return. Steede picked up his own injury in the shock defeat to Mountbellew/Moylough.

Finally, County champions Moycullen have announced players involved in final or moreover the celebrations have contracted Covid 19.

The @Galway_GAA team to play @MayoGAA in the Allianz League #GAA

1. C Gleeson
2. C Campbell
3. SA Ó Ceallaigh
4. J Heaney (c)
5. L Silke
6. J Duane
7. C McDaid
8. J Maher
9. C D’Arcy
10. E Brannigan
11. M Daly
12. J Leonard
13. R Finnerty
14. I Burke
15. P Conroy

Mayo return to inter-county action against rivals Galway on Sunday needing a win to stay in Division 1. Here is some Mayo squad news ahead of the fixture in Tuam.

Mayo manager James Horan has opted against any major additions following the Club Championship’s completion in Mayo. The only notable draftees are Mark Moran of Westport and Darren McHale of Knockmore coming in to bolster the attack.

Somewhat surprisingly, only one of the Championship-winning Knockmore side have joined Kevin McLoughlin on Horan’s roster. Darren Mchale kicked 1-4 in the final in a man of the match display. If he can continue such form he could force a way into the Mayo team.

On the other hand, Horan already deployed Mark Moran in a recent challenge game against Donegal. The young forward was impressive in Westport’s run to the Championship semi-final and caught the eye of the Mayo manager. He was previously a member of the U-20 squad that lost to Galway on penalties in February.

Likewise, other members of the U-20 squad could feature in Horan’s plans before the year is out. Firstly, Moran’s clubmate Rory Brickenden came off the bench in the Donegal game. Secondly, Kilmaine defender Oisin Mullen and Charlestown forward Paul Towey have made senior appearances already. Similarly, David McBrien of Ballaghaderreen appears to be a part of Horan’s plans.

Injuries

Horan may well have to utilise some of his young guns after injuries have ruled out some of his regulars. For example, Brendan Harrison has not played since the first round of the club Championship. Therefore, Mullen could make his Championship debut against Leitrim.

In attack, after returning from an ACL injury in July, Mayo stalwart Jason Doherty is looking at another spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in training.

Also on Mayo’s injury list is Ballintubber native Diarmuid O’Connor. The 25-year-old limped off in his side’s quarter-final defeat in September. Having a fully fit O’Connor will be vital to Horan who is facing Mayo’s first Championship without Andy Moran since 2004.

On the plus side, defender Colm Boyle has returned from injury since lockdown.

 

Allianz National League: Galway vs Mayo, Sunday October 18, 2pm (TG4). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

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