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National League Division 2 – Clare vs Fermanagh Preview

The Division 2 fixture of Clare vs Fermanagh has been thrown into doubt after an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Ulster county. Last Wednesday, Fermanagh GAA announced the suspension of all GAA activity within the county at both club and county level. As a result, Stephen McMenamin’s side could have little or no preparation before the Championship begins.

Several members of Fermanagh’s team tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, the squad is stretched ahead of the return to inter-county action. McMenamin has called for the game against Clare to be postponed due to the lack of preparation his team will have.

“We’re in no shape to play… even long-term if you look at the Ulster Championship, we do want to play it but you’re looking at the level of preparation.”

The former Tyrone defender added that his side should be afforded the chance to enter their League fixtures on a level-playing field. More importantly, with relegation a serious threat for Fermanagh they need to be playing at full capacity.

“It’s not a fair playing field. You kind of ask yourself should there be relegation in the league, if we’re not afforded the same chances as Clare?”

Division 2 Dogfight

Currently, Fermanagh sit bottom of Division 2. Therefore, they likely need at least a win and a draw in their remaining two fixtures to have any chance of survival. Their only win to date was a one-point victory against Roscommon.

In a similar way, Clare are flirting with relegation and need a strong finish to the League. As it stands, they are safe but only thanks to their points difference. A win over Fermanagh would allow them some breathing room ahead of their round 7 game with Armagh. Wins over Kildare and Cavan earlier in the year could stand to them in the end.

Clare open their Championship campaign away to Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final. This game is just a week following the League’s conclusion. Hence, the Banner men have no time to ease themselves in.

Meanwhile, Fermanagh are scheduled to face Down in the Ulster quarter-final on November 8th. The fixture is subject to change though in light of the situation among McMenamin’s team. If their League games are postponed they will have little match practice before then. However, if they play their remaining games with a weakened squad to fulfill the fixtures, the manager may not have an honest look at his squad prior to the Championship.

Allianz National League: Clare vs Fermanagh, Sunday October 18th, 1pm (Cusack Park). 

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

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

https://twitter.com/FermanaghGAA/status/1313779160930807809

Down vs Leitrim – Division 3 League Preview

Prior to inter-county football’s suspension, Division 3 of the National League was getting competitive. Aside from first and last places seemingly decided, the remaining six teams can finish anywhere between second and seventh. Those two polar positions will face-off in Down vs Leitrim.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Down v Leitrim, Newry, 4pm Preview and live score commentary

Team News
Down (v Leitrim): Rory Burns; Gerard Collins, Patrick Murdock, Ryan McAleenan; Daniel Guinness, Peter Fegan, Stephen Fegan; Johnny Flynn, Conor Poland; Barry O’Hagan, Caolan Mooney, Liam Kerr; Ceilum Doherty, Jerome Johnston, Donal O’Hare.

The Mourne men are currently in second. But, only points difference sets them apart from third place Longford. On the other side, Cork are three points clear at the top meaning it will be a huge task to usurp them. The Rebels were the only team to defeat Down before the lockdown. With that in mind, Down would have been frustrated when their momentum was forced to take a seven-month sabbatical.

On the other hand, the suspension of inter-county football gave Leitrim a chance to take stock ahead of the remaining two League games. A draw on the opening weekend against Derry and a win over Louth in round five is their only source of points so far. Tipperary share their record and the two sides face each other in the final round. As a result, that game could condemn either team to relegation. Therefore, Leitrim need a good showing against Down to avoid an immediate return to Division 4.

Leitrim begin their Championship on November 1st by hosting Mayo in the Connacht quarter-final. This means they need to hit the ground running in the league. In addition to this, they won’t have the luxury of experimentation that other teams may have.

Meanwhile, Down are also in their provincial quarter-final. But, they have an extra week to ready themselves before they face Fermanagh. The Ulster Championship is easily the most competitive of the four. Hence, Down won’t be afraid to throw everything at the League.

Allianz National League Division 3: Down vs Leitrim, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Newry).

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

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

Cork vs Louth – National League Preview

The National Football League resumes on October 17th and the Division 3 fixture of Cork vs Louth is one of the first to throw-in. Previously, Cork laid the foundations for promotion to Division 2. Now, their good form earlier in the year leaves them with room for error in the remaining two fixtures.

Allianz Football Division 3 round 6
Cork v Louth, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 4pm Preview and live score commentary

Team news

Cork (FL3 v Louth): Micheál Martin; Kevin Flahive, Maurice Shanley, Paul Ring; Kevin O’ Donovan, Mattie Taylor, Cian Kiely; Ian Maguire, Paul Walsh; Ruairi Deane, Killian O’ Hanlon, Kevin O’Driscoll; Damien Gore, Colm O’Callaghan, Paul Kerrigan.

Subs: Anthony Casey, Sam Ryan, Nathan Walsh, Donal O’Mahony, Tadhg Corkery, Sean Meehan, Aidan Browne, Niall Hartnett, Eoghan McSweeney, Jack McCarthy, Mark Collins.

Contrastingly, Louth seemed doomed to relegation. After five games they have no points to boast of. However, this could a blessing in disguise. With the pressure now off, the Wee County can use the League to prepare themselves for the Championship.

Louth follow up their game against Cork by playing another promotion hopeful in Down. Even a maximum return in these two games may not guarantee survival. However, Wayne Kierans will be more focused on the Leinster Championship game against Longford on November 1st. In January, Longford overcame Kierans’ team. Now, the manager will be ready to avenge that loss.

Meanwhile, Ronan McCarthy will have both eyes on the Championship fixture against Kerry on November 8th. McCarthy is one man who is perhaps relieved at the suspension of Club games. With the Cork Championship finals still to be played, he would have had a host of squad members joining the inter-county set-up at the last minute. More importantly, they were running the risk of injury. For example, Ian Maguire, Brian Hurley, and Michael Hurley all hobbled off in their semi-final. Add this to the already injured Liam O’Donovan and Tomás Clancy and McCarthy may not have had the ideal prep needed for the Kerry game.

After a disappointing season in 2019 which saw them relegated from Division 2 and lose all three Super 8 games, Cork are out to prove their worth.

Allianz National League Division 3: Cork vs Louth, Saturday October 17th, 4pm (Páirc Uí Chaoimh).

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

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

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).

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1314507604790521857

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).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1314507604790521857

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). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1314507604790521857

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.

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