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Could now be the time to see Patrick Bamford in a Republic of Ireland shirt?

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford can qualify to play for the Republic of Ireland national team through his grandfather and after a great start to life in the Premier League for the West Yorkshire club, there have been suggestions recently that boss Stephen Kenny should be looking at him.

 

Despite receiving numerous amounts of criticism last season while playing in the Championship, due to the number of chances that he missed, the striker still racked up an impressive tally of 16 goals in a Leeds team that makes creating chances look easy.

 

While it might be a gamble to include Bamford in the Republic of Ireland national squad, there have been many instances in both life and business where gambles have paid off as football fans themselves will know. Gambling and football are closely related and with football-based slots from NetEnt such as the Champions Cup Slot, picking Bamford could be similar to hitting the jackpot.

 

Having cantered to the Championship title last season, Leeds have continued their fine form in the Premier League and that is largely in no small part, thanks to Bamford. With three impressive finishes in his club’s first three top flight games of the campaign, including a masterful strike against last season’s champions Liverpool, it seems that at long last, he really is starting to show his potential.

Could Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching of Bamford help Republic of Ireland?

 

Under the maverick Leeds boss [Marcelo] Bielsa, Bamford is clearly one player who has come on leaps and bounds under the Argentinian’s stewardship. A coach who is renowned for his extraordinary levels of detail, this is reflected in the way his team’s play, with a focus on high intensity and flowing football.

 

One area of Bamford’s game that has never been called into question is his work rate and willingness to put in the extra yard for his team. While he was criticised on many occasions for missing chances, there is also the argument that thanks to his endeavour, he was able to get into those positions. Something that Bielsa has no doubt drilled into him.

 

In addition to this, his physical nature means that he can bring other players into the game by being able to hold up the ball, while his aerial presence makes him a threat from attacking set-pieces, while he can also defend aerial deliveries for his own rearguard. Again, a trait that has undoubtedly been influenced by Bielsa.

 

Could this benefit the Republic of Ireland squad?

 

Currently, the national team have David McGoldrick who plays for fellow Premier League side Sheffield United (who Bamford bagged the winner against this season), however, at 32, question marks remain how long the Blades striker can keep on playing at the highest level.

 

Other options include Scott Hogan, who has shown promise but plays for Championship side Birmingham City, while Troy Parrott (Tottenham) is definitely one for the future.

 

With midfielders Conor Hourihane, Jeff Hendrick and James McCarthy, Republic of Ireland certainly have enough creativity in their team for Bamford to benefit. His progress under Bielsa will only carry on getting better and following Leeds United’s club record signing of Spain international striker Rodrigo, it appears that this has spurred the former Chelsea youth player on.

 

When should Kenny act?

 

Arguably, he should have been picked for the latest internationals. This is because if he continues his fine form for Leeds then Republic of Ireland could be in danger of losing him to England. It would be interesting to see who Bamford would opt for if he was given both choices.

 

However, England boss Gareth Southgate is arguably spoilt for choice in that area, with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and recent call-up Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton. This means that he would arguably have a much better chance of starting for Kenny’s side.

 

Cork manager Ronan McCarthy speaks ahead of Cork v Louth

Allianz Football League Division 3 leaders Cork host Louth in Round 6 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 4pm on Saturday, with the game televised live on GAAGO.

Speaking ahead of the game, from which a point should guarantee the Leesiders promotion next season, Cork manager Ronan McCarthy is relieved League action is returning.

“I am very thankful,” he admits, “as I had accepted at one point that the league wouldn’t be finished. To get the opportunity (to finish it) is welcome.”

Cork, who are five wins from five in this season’s Allianz Football League, may not see the benefit of a possible promotion next season McCarthy feels.

“Even if we get promotion, the league might be restructured (due to Covid-19). The emphasis next year might be on reducing the amount of travel teams will do.”

Will the Allianz League be completed?

Discussing whether he believes the League will even be finished this season, the Douglas clubman says:

“A lot of it is luck. It the close contacts that are your real issue. Am I confident (the League will be completed)? I wouldn’t say I’m confident. By following all the procedures that are there in relation to the prevention of Covid, it gives ourselves the best chance of not running into that kind of difficulty.”

‘The Big Game’

Despite this weekend’s game, and a trip away to Longford in Round 7 on Sunday, 25th October, ‘the big game’ is on the minds of the Cork management team.

The ‘big game’ is of course the clash with traditional rivals Kerry in the Munster Championship on 8th November.

“You’re in a difficult scenario at the moment”, the secondary school principal explains. “Normally you would say to players ‘you focus on the next game and that should be your only focus’. There’s no question here that we also need to have an eye further down the road to the match on the 8th November.”

“So what I would say is our priority is that match in four weeks and that is our number one focus”, he says forcibly. “We have to try and make sure that while focusing on that we don’t take our eye off the ball for the other games. The Louth match guarantees us promotion if we get a point from it.”

“It’s a difficult one for a management team. There’s only one show in town and that’s the Kerry game on the 8th of November. We still have a job to do (before that). To me the next two weeks is about getting the job done. We’ll look for the big performance then in the big match on the 8th of November.”

Cork’s injuries

The Rebels will have a number of players missing from their squad in the coming weeks. Injuries mean Liam O’Donovan, Tomás Clancy, Kevin Crowley and Ciarán Sheehan are unavailable for varying periods of time.

“Liam O’Donovan is out long term”, McCarthy explains. “With Tomás Clancy from Fermoy (it) looks like Christmas before he’s back. He was stretchered off in a club championship game with Fermoy. He has a nasty calf tear and some Achilles damage. He had no chance once the extent of the injury was seen.”

“Kevin Crowley’s shoulder took a knock in a club challenge game. He’s had issues with his shoulder previously, so he’ll need a procedure on that. That will rule him out in the short term for us.”

“Ciarán Sheehan had a minor procedure on his knee last week. He’ll have no part to play in League or Championship for us this year. You get to a point where you’re only training bits and pieces and somewhere you have to make a call on it. We made the call, and you’re looking at 4-6 weeks but it ties up an ongoing issue.”

In spite of Cork’s injury list, the Rebels, who sit top of Division 3 on 10 points, should have enough firepower to overcome Louth this weekend. The ‘Wee County’ are bottom of the table having lost all their games so far.

2020 World Cup of Darts Draw, Schedule & Results

Scotland will begin the defense of their BetVictor World Cup of Darts title against Japan in Salzburg in November, with the draw for the pairs event confirmed.

A new-look Scottish team made up of John Henderson and Robert Thornton, are not among the eight seeded nations and face a tricky opening tie against Japan’s Seigo Asada and Yuki Yamada as the nations meet for a third successive year.

The 32-nation tournament sees two-player teams representing their countries, with selection based initially on the top-ranked players on the PDC Order of Merit, and will take place at the Salzburgarena from November 6-8.

Top seeds England, represented by Michael Smith and Rob Cross (pictured), face the Philippines in a repeat of last year’s first round, while Wales’ number two seeds Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton will play Russia.

Michael van Gerwen will be joined by debutant Danny Noppert in representing the Netherlands, with the Dutch pair set to take on Brazil in their opener.

Daryl Gurney and Brendan Dolan’s Northern Ireland will face a strong Canadian side, while Dimitri Van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts’ Belgium will take on the Czech Republic.

Host nation Austria, represented by Mensur Suljovic and Rowby-John Rodriguez, will play USA, while Germany’s Max Hopp and Gabriel Clemens will come up against Finland.

One of the pick of the first round ties will see last year’s runners-up Republic of Ireland, who again feature the pairing of William O’Connor and Steve Lennon, face Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta’s Australia.

In a change to the initial listing of team line-ups, Finland will now be represented by Marko Kantele and Veijo Viinikka following the withdrawal of Kim Viljanen.

The schedule of play for the event will be confirmed in due course.

The BetVictor World Cup of Darts will be televised on Sky Sports as well as through the PDC’s international broadcast partners including RTL7 and DAZN, as well as for PDCTV ‘Rest of the World Subscribers’ and on matchroom.live.

BetVictor World Cup of Darts

Draw Bracket

(1) England v Philippines

Lithuania v Gibraltar

(8) Austria v USA

Singapore v Hungary

(4) Northern Ireland v Canada

New Zealand v Denmark

(5) Belgium v Czech Republic

Hong Kong v China

(2) Wales v Russia

Japan v Scotland

(7) Republic of Ireland v Australia

Poland v South Africa

(3) Netherlands v Brazil

Italy v Spain

(6) Germany v Finland

Sweden v Greece

2020 BetVictor World Cup of Darts

Competing Nations & Players (seeding in brackets)

(1) England – Michael Smith & Rob Cross

(2) Wales – Gerwyn Price & Jonny Clayton

(3) Netherlands – Michael van Gerwen & Danny Noppert

(4) Northern Ireland – Daryl Gurney & Brendan Dolan

(5) Belgium – Dimitri Van den Bergh & Kim Huybrechts

(6) Germany – Max Hopp & Gabriel Clemens

(7) Republic of Ireland – William O’Connor & Steve Lennon

(8) Austria – Mensur Suljovic & Rowby-John Rodriguez

Australia – Simon Whitlock & Damon Heta

Brazil – Diogo Portela & Bruno Rangel

Canada – Jeff Smith & Matt Campbell

China – Xicheng Han & Di Zhuang

Czech Republic – Karel Sedlacek & Adam Gawlas

Denmark – Niels Heinsøe & Per Laursen

Finland – Marko Kantele & Veijo Viinikka

Gibraltar – Craig Galliano & Justin Hewitt

Greece – John Michael & Veniamin Symeonidis

Hong Kong – Kai Fan Leung & Royden Lam

Hungary – Patrik Kovacs & Janos Vegsö

Italy – Andrea Micheletti & Daniele Petri

Japan – Seigo Asada & Yuki Yamada

Lithuania – Darius Labanauskas & Mindaugas Barauskas

New Zealand – Cody Harris & Haupai Puha

Philippines – Lourence Ilagan & Noel Malicdem

Poland – Krzysztof Ratajski & Krzysztof Kciuk

Russia – Boris Koltsov & Aleksei Kadochnikov

Scotland – John Henderson & Robert Thornton

Singapore – Paul Lim & Harith Lim

South Africa – Devon Petersen & Carl Gabriel

Spain – Cristo Reyes & Toni Alcinas

Sweden – Daniel Larsson & Dennis Nilsson

USA – Chuck Puleo & Danny Lauby

Heineken Champions Cup Final 2020 – Starting teams – KICK off 4:45pm

We have the starting team for Exeter Chiefs v Racing 92, kick-off is 4:45pm on Saturday.

There will be new ribbons on both the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup trophies this weekend as the 2019/20 season comes to a thrilling finale some 337 days after it had started.

First-time finalists, Exeter Chiefs, come up against TOP 14 heavyweights, Racing 92, tomorrow (16.45 local time) in the 25th anniversary final of the tournament that represents the pinnacle of the club game with the winners set to become the 12th club to lift the prized silverware.

Racing arrive at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium armed with the experience of two previous finals after finishing runners-up to Saracens (2016) and Leinster Rugby (2018). They come up against a Chiefs side on a high after reaching the Gallagher Premiership final and currently leading the way in this season’s tournament for both points (252) and tries scored (34).

The match will be played behind closed doors, however, fans will be able to witness stars of the global game battling it out for a place in history with comprehensive television coverage of the match on BT Sport, Channel 4 and Virgin Media in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition, a range of both linear broadcast and OTT platforms will take the action worldwide with epcrugby.tv providing direct-to-consumer access to the matches in markets where rights agreements are not in place.

Racing are bidding to become the first French club to win the trophy since RC Toulon in 2015 and the three-time champions of Europe are themselves going for glory this evening (21.00 local time), when they take on Bristol Bears with the aim of adding the Challenge Cup to their collection of honours.

Whoever comes out on top in Aix-en-Provence will be the 16th club to win the tournament and there is considerable experience of European success among the coaching staff with Toulon’s Patrice Collazo, a winner with Gloucester Rugby in 2006, up against Pat Lam the inspirational captain who led Northampton Saints to Heineken Cup glory in 2000.

Local authorities in the Bouches-du-Rhone department have given permission for the match to be played in front of 1,000 people at Stade Maurice-David which is little more than 30 kilometres away from Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome where the 2021 Finals Weekend will now be staged.

Immediately following the Heineken Champions Cup final, the EPCR European Player of the Year winner will be announced, the award having been decided by a combination of a public vote and the verdict of a distinguished panel of rugby experts.

More than 20,000 votes have already been cast with the Exeter duo, Stuart Hogg and Sam Simmonds, shortlisted along with Racing’s Finn Russell and Virimi Vakatawa. The fifth elite player in the frame for the accolade is Semi Radradra and a strong showing tonight could make the Bristol Bears star the favourite to claim the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy.

EXETER CHIEFS
  • 15. Stuart Hogg,
  • 14. Jack Nowell,
  • 13. Henry Slade,
  • 12. Ian Whitten,
  • 11. Tom O’Flaherty,
  • 10. Joe Simmonds (c),
  • 9. Jack Maunder,
  • 1. Alec Hepburn,
  • 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie,
  • 3. Harry Williams,
  • 4. Jonny Gray,
  • 5. Jonny Hill,
  • 6. Dave Ewers,
  • 7. Jacques Vermeulen,
  • 8. Sam Simmonds.

Replacements:

  • 16. Jack Yeandle,
  • 17. Ben Moon,
  • 18. Tom Francis,
  • 19. Sam Skinner,
  • 20. Jannes Kirsten,
  • 21. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne,
  • 22. Gareth Steenson,
  • 23. Ollie Devoto,
RACING 92
  • 15. Simon Zebo,
  • 14. Louis Dupichot,
  • 13. Virimi Vakatawa,
  • 12. Henry Chavancy (c),
  • 11. Juan Imhoff,
  • 10. Finn Russell,
  • 9. Teddy Iribaren,
  • 1. Eddy Ben Arous,
  • 2. Camille Chat,
  • 3. Georges Henri Colombe,
  • 4. Bernard Le Roux,
  • 5. Dominic Bird,
  • 6. Wenceslas Lauret,
  • 7. Fabien Sanconnie,
  • 8. Antonie Claassen.

Replacements:

  • 16. Teddy Baubigny,
  • 17. Hassane Kolingar,
  • 18. Ali Oz,
  • 19. Donnacha Ryan,
  • 20. Boris Palu,
  • 21. Maxime Machenaud,
  • 22. Olivier Klemenczak,
  • 23. Kurtley Beale,

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

AR1: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

AR2: Craig Evans (Wales)

TMO: Ian Davies (Wales)

Broadcasters: BT Sport/Channel 4/Virgin Media/FR 2/beIN SPORTS

Cluichí Camógaíochta an Deiridh Seachtaine

Tosóidh an Chraobh Chamógaíochta Liberty Insurance Dé Sathairn le cluichí i ngrúpaí a haon agus a dó.

I mbliana, beidh níos mó cluichí á sruthú beo ar líne ná riamh.

Don séasúr seo, beidh cúig chluiche beo ar leathanach Facebook Liberty Insurance, le dhá cheann sa bhabhta deireanach.

D’fhógair An Cumann Camógaíochta an tseachtain seo go mbeidís ag sruthú cluiche eile gach seachtain.

An deireadh seachtaine seo, beidh an cluiche mór idir Phort Láirge agus Chill Chainnigh beo ar leathanach Liberty Insurance. Tosóidh an cluiche sin i ngrúpa a dó de Chraobh na hÉireann i bPáirc an Bhreathnaigh ar a dó a’chlog amárach.

Beidh cluiche idirmheánach i ngrúpa a haon den chraobh úd i bPáirc an Phiarsaigh amárach chomh maith. Tabharfaidh Áth Cliath cuairt ar an nGaillimh ar a dó a’chlog. Sa Chraobh Shóisearach, tabharfaidh An Clár agus Uíbh Fhailí aghaidh ar a chéile.

Dé Domhnaigh, beidh beoshruthú ar an gcluiche idir Thiobraid Árann agus An Clár i ngrúpa a trí den Chraobh Shinsearach.

Craolfar an cluiche idir Seaimpíní na hÉireann anuraidh, Gaillimh, agus Loch Garman, ar Youtube, le cluichí an Domhnaigh go léir ag tosú ar 2 a’chlog.

Dé Sathairn 17ú Deireadh Fómhair 2020
Craobhchomórtas Sinsear na hÉireann sa Chamógaíocht (Grúpa 2)

Luimneach v An Iarmhí, An Brú, 2 i.n.

Port Láirge v Cill Chainnigh, Páirc an Bhreathnaigh, 2 i.n.

Craobhchomórtas Idirmheáanch na hÉireann sa Chamógaíocht (Grúpa 1)

Gaillimh v Áth Cliath, Staid an Phiarsaigh, 2 i.n.

Craobhchomórtas Sóisearach na hÉireann sa Chamógaíocht (Grúpa 1)

An Clár v Uíbh Fhailí, An Chreatalach, 2 i.n.

 

Dé Domhnaigh 18ú Deireadh Fómhair 2020
Craobhchomórtas Sinsear na hÉireann sa Chamógaíocht (Grúpa 1)

Loch Garman v Gaillimh, Bellfield, Inis Córthaigh, 2 i.n.

Craobhchomórtas Sinsear na hÉireann sa Chamógaíocht (Grúpa 3)

Tiobraid Árainn v An Clár, The Ragg, 2 i.n.

U-20 Football Championship Semi-Finals Preview

The U-20 Football Championship is the first of the GAA Championships to return this weekend. Originally scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, the players finally get to play their semi-finals this Saturday after seven months of waiting. Provincial winners Dublin, Tyrone, Kerry, and Galway will compete for a place in the final a week later.

All-Ireland U20 Football semi-finals
Dublin v Tyrone, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2.30pm – TG4 Click for ive scores
Galway v Kerry, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 4pm – TG4 click for Live scores

Meanwhile, it is Galway vs Kerry on the other side of the draw.

The westerners claimed the Connacht title for the second year in succession with a convincing win over Roscommon in March. It ended 4-13 to 0-5 but it was the previous game that Galway will remember more vividly. It took a penalty shoot-out to separate Mayo and Galway in McHale Park all the way back in February. After a second-half fightback with the aid of a massive wind, Galway won the shoot-out 3-2.

The Kingdom Come?

Recently, Kerry have failed to translate the success of their minor teams into their U-20/U-21 setups. Despite winning five minor All-Ireland finals between 2014 and ’18, the Kingdom have had no U-20/21 side reach a final in that time. However, John Sugrue will be hopeful that 2020 is the year a Kerry side reaches the showdown again.

Conquering Munster will have gone a long way to boosting Sugrue’s players’ confidence in spite of the time elapsed. Earlier in the year, they defeated Cork 0-17 to 1-9 in Tralee. More impressively, they were four down at the midway stage. A second-half masterclass from Ruaidhri Ó Beaglaoich, who scored 0-5 on the night, catapulted Kerry to the Munster title.

Currently, Kerry edge Dublin as the favourites to lift the All-Ireland. But, it will only take two wins from any of the remaining teams be crowned Champions. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how each team has been affected by the long break. Therefore, expect two very closely contested semi-finals this Saturday.

TG4 are broadcasting both games live.

Saturday October 17: U-20 Football Championship Semi-Finals.

Dublin vs Tyrone (Kingspan Breffnie Park, 2pm).

Galway vs Kerry (LIT Gaelic Grounds 4pm).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/10-fermanagh-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-leaving-some-tough-decisions/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/10-fermanagh-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-leaving-some-tough-decisions/

https://twitter.com/SportTG4/status/1315929990937153536

Allianz National League: Monaghan vs Kerry Preview

The Allianz National League returns this month with Monaghan vs Kerry kicking off proceedings. Taking place at 2pm on October 24, the game marks the return of inter-county football after almost a seven-month absence.

LIVE SCORE COMMENTARY FOR MONAGHAN V KERRY
The game is an important one for both teams. Therefore neither will have much time to dust off the cobwebs. Monaghan sit sixth in the table. Currently, they are safe from relegation but with just two games to go they need to pick up points somewhere along the way. In contrast, Kerry remain in contention to win the League. They are just a point behind Galway at the top of table. Hence, a win in their final two games will put all the pressure on the Connacht team.

For Monaghan, victories over Mayo and Tyrone were cancelled out by losses to Galway and Donegal. However, an impressive draw to five-in-a-row All-Ireland winners Dublin has their heads above water. Likewise, Kerry drew with Dublin in GAA headquarters last January in a thrilling League opener. Since then, only a loss to Tyrone has blemished their record.

Last year’s League and Championship runners-up Kerry will have one eye on their Munster Championship semi-final on the 8th of November. Despite their promising position in the League, they will hope to go one better than last year’s final replay defeat. With that in mind, Peter Keane could use his remaining two League fixtures to experiment. For example, Dr. Crokes’ Tony Brosnan was used in the League earlier in the year and could be given another chance to impress.

Meanwhile, Monaghan will have to hit the ground running. Their Championship campaign begins on October 31st at home to Cavan. This comes after back-to-back League outings. With the Club Championship all wrapped up, Seamus McEnaney has a full contingent to choose from. Scotstown players Rory Beggan, Darren Hughes, and Conor McCarthy will be on a high from their Championship win.

Allianz National League Division 1: Monaghan vs Kerry, Saturday October 17, 2pm (Inniskeen).

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

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

Westmeath vs Laois: Division 2 Preview

Westmeath vs Laois is the game that will mark the return of Division 2 of the Allianz National League. The sides meet on Saturday, October 17 as inter-county football returns from a seven-month absence.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Westmeath v Laois, Cusack Park, 2pm Preview and live score updates

Before the world of inter-county football was put on hold, these two sides were flying along under the radar in Division 2. Their records are equal with Westmeath edging the standing on points difference. Therefore, this will be a competitive restart as Westmeath and Laois battle it out to pip the other. Importantly, a loss could leave either of these counties in relegation territory ahead of round 7. On the other hand, a win could project them towards the summit with just one game remaining.

Previously, Westmeath suffered defeats to Roscommon and Cavan. But, wins over Clare and Fermanagh made amends for this. In February, they played out a thrilling 3-12 to 2-15 draw with table toppers Armagh.

Likewise, Laois had wins over Clare and Armagh cancelled out by losses to Cavan and Kildare. A draw on the opening weekend in January in Roscommon has them equal with Westmeath.

These are the two sides who won promotion from Division 3 in 2019. In the final, Westmeath were three-point victors. Nonetheless, both sides have justified their presence in Division 2 so far. As a result, Westmeath and Laois’ primary concern will be remaining where they are. But, a win for either side in this fixture could tee them up for a hopeful final position.

The Championship is played in a straight knock-out format this year. Therefore, Westmeath and Laois will need to use their League games to get them as prepared as possible. To illustrate, Westmeath have the toughest of starts available as they face Dublin in the Leinster quarter-final. That same weekend (7/8 November), Laois face the winners of Longford and Louth.

Allianz National League Division 2: Westmeath vs Laois, Saturday October 17th, 2pm (Cusack Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

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

Armagh vs Roscommon – National League Division 2 Preview

It will be a fiery return to inter-county action in Division 2 with Armagh vs Roscommon. As it stands, Armagh are on top of the Division. But, their Connacht opponents have an equal record and are only second due to points difference.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Armagh v Roscommon, Athletic Grounds, 5.30pm – RTÉ2  Preview and live score updates

Before the lockdown, Armagh were on a run of form. For example, their last outing saw them register a 3-14 to 0-10 win away to Fermanagh. Similarly, Roscommon ended on a good note with a home win against Westmeath. Both sides have a draw on their record in the League. Armagh’s came in a high-scoring thriller against Westmeath. On the other hand, Roscommon and Laois had 2-14 a piece in the opener in January.

In spite of being joint-leaders, a loss for either team here would make it tough to secure a top-two finish. There are three teams within two points of them. Furthermore, both sides have away fixtures in round 7. Roscommon travel to Cavan while Armagh go to Clare.

After coming down from Division 1 last year, Roscommon are an ambitious coming-of-age team who will hope to return to the top tier. Meanwhile, Armagh have been competitive in the Championship in the last couple of seasons. Therefore, a strong League campaign will be a sign of intent from the Orchard County.

It is Armagh who have the more hectic return to action. Specifically, their final League game comes just a week prior to their Championship opener away to Derry. If they hit the ground running they can carry their form into the Ulster Championship.

In contrast, Roscommon have an extra week to prepare for their Connacht semi-final at home to either Leitrim/Mayo. The reigning Connacht Champions are keen to retain their crown in a straight knock-out Championship.

Allianz National League Division 2: Armagh vs Roscommon, Saturday October 17, 5.30 pm (Athletic Grounds).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

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

Kildare vs Cavan Preview- National League Division 2

With the return of the Allianz National League fast approaching, we look at the Kildare vs Cavan Division 2 fixture. Somewhat surprisingly, Kildare find themselves in a relegation battle with two games to save their Division 2 status. In contrast, a good finish for Cavan could see them secure a top-two finish.

Allianz Football Division 2 round 6
Kildare v Cavan, Newbridge, 2pm – Preview and live score commentary

After finishing bottom of Division 1 in 2019, Cavan are looking to bounce straight back up. To date, wins over Westmeath, Fermanagh, and Laois projected them towards the promotion places. Despite being near the bottom, Kildare will be a tough opponent. But, a win here could make Cavan’s round 7 tie with Roscommon a promotion shoot-out.

In contrast, Kildare could only muster up wins over Laois and Fermanagh to sandwich their three losses. At the start of the year, the Lilywhites were one of the favourites for promotion. Therefore, they will have been able to regroup since the lockdown and can start afresh this time around. With promotion now all but impossible, Kildare will settle for staying in Division 2. Two home games is a welcome advantage.

Cavan face Monaghan in their Ulster Championship opener on October 31st. As a result, they will welcome two competitive League games as preparation. After going all the way to the Provincial Final in 2019, Cavan aim to go one better this time around.

Meanwhile, Kildare have a favourable draw in Leinster. They don’t play until the quarter-final stage on November 8th when Offaly or Carlow will be the opposition.

After two exciting club Championships in Cavan and Kildare respectively, the players will be itching for inter-county action. Hence, this is an exciting fixture to return with.

Allianz National League Division 2: Kildare vs Cavan, Sunday October 18th, 2pm (Newbridge).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

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

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