1. Wicklow v's Meath
Aughrim
Throw In: Sat 7pm
In the 125 year history of the Leinster Senior Football Championship. Meath have an exceptional record against Wicklow, so you could say that history and tradition weigh heavily on this fixture. Despite struggling badly in the third tier of the National League, and being relegated, Wicklow, under manager Harry Murphy, have progressed to this quarter-final meeting as a result of a morale-boosting victory in Round 1 over Longford. That 1-15 to 0-16 win was the Garden County's first in 2013, and was hugely needed, given they went seven games without a victory in the league. Meath, although losing the Division 3 League Final to Monaghan, will still feel they had a positive spring under new manager Mick O'Dowd. They name two championship debutants in their selection this weekend with Mickey Newman and Eamonn Wallace, who both had excellent league campaigns, getting their summer reward. Even though this Meath team is a long way from the great team of the mid to late 90's, take them to muscle their way through to a semi final meeting with Wexford.
Verdict: Meath Odds: Meath(-4) 11/10
2. Fermanagh v's Cavan
Brewster Park
Throw In: Sun 2pm
This will be the fourth championship meeting between these two counties in the last five seasons. In terms of their form over the last three or fours years, in both league and championship, there has been very little to separate the two sides. Cavan's impressive victory over Armagh in the preliminary round probably tips the scales in their favour. They surprised many that day with an incisive display and particularly the performances of Martin Dunne and Eoghan Keating in the full forward line. Fermanagh manager Peter Canavan will have his troops well drilled and he can continue to avail of the services of the experienced Barry Owens, James Sherry and Ryan McCluskey. Owens should restrict the chances available to Dunne this time around, but with the confidence of the Armagh win and the infusion of successful underage players, Terry Hyland's charges may just about continue their quest to reach the provincial final.
Verdict: Cavan Odds: Evens
3. Mayo v's Roscommon
McCale Park, Castlebar
Throw In: Sun 4pm
Have no doubt about it, this Mayo side showed in their quarter final dismantling of Galway a hard nosed edge and a drive to succeed that could see them go a long way in this seasons All Ireland series once more. Mayo are yet to lose a Connacht Championship game under James Horan and they will be hoping to extend that impressive run to seven games when they host the Rossies on Sunday. The loss of influential free taker Cillian O'Connor is a blow to the Mayo men but he is replaced by the industrious Richie Feeney and Andy Moran is a further option from the bench and is now injury free. For his counterpart John Evans the stats make grim reading as the Rossies have lost four successive Connacht Championship games to Mayo, as well as an All-Ireland Qualifier game in 2002. The loss of Donie Shine as the focal point of their attack is a major blow and they will depend heavily on the experience and confidence of the All Ireland Club Championship winning St Brigids players such as Karl Mannion and Sean Kilbride. With home venue and chasing a third successive Connacht title, Mayo should get over the line here with a bit to spare.
Verdict: Mayo Odds: Mayo (-7) 2/1
Pods-itivity Treble: 12/1
Other mentions:
Dublin to take their second chance and defeat Wexford. Cork to overpower Micko and Clare to set up another Munster Final meeting with Kerry. Laois to put up a spirited performance but fall short against Galway in the Leinster Hurling Championship. Down, fresh from their last minute Christy Ring Cup victory to continue their winning vein of form against Armagh in the Ulster Hurling Championship
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