After a rest week, the Joe McDonagh Cup resumes this weekend with round three action. Hawkeye Sidekick looks at the fixtures scheduled. It is do or die for several teams involved.
Who needs to impress this weekend?
Carlow and Laois have impressed in the first two rounds of the competition. The other counties need to raise their performance levels but it looks difficult.
Who from Down, Kerry, Kildare or Westmeath will deliver a performance this weekend? Westmeath squad depth should deliver a performance against Down.
Westmeath though have massively disappointed in league and in this campaign. Some good moments but defensive lapses a big issue.
Seoirse Bulfin, management and players will look to this fixture block to resurrect their championship hopes. Doyle, Williams, Clarke, O’Brien and the promising O’Reilly will look to test Down defensively tomorrow.
The defensive side has been a problem which is a concern but Westmeath to throw down the gauntlet this weekend. Down need players back from injury but could prey on Westmeath lack of confidence on the road.
Who do we think will win this weekend?
The Westmeath and Down fixture looks the intriguing fixture. Both sides need to secure a win to stave off relegation concerns. Down after winning Division 2 defensively have been exposed in this championship campaign. Injuries have played their part in these struggles.
Westmeath have used the bye week to test themselves against Offaly in challenge game action. This level of opposition should sharpen the side to secure a much needed point.
Laois have impressed in this campaign after a massively disappointing league campaign. Their free scoring style has seen big wins over Westmeath and Down last time out. Form suggests a similar outcome against a Kerry side who have struggled for scores this campaign.
Carlow entertain a Kildare side who will relish this opportunity to renew local county rivalries. Kildare have attacking threats in Sheridan, Burke and Keegan. The Naas contingent with the Boran’s will deliver a performance but I have been so impressed by Carlow this term.
Chris Nolan is having a standout year for Carlow. He has scored 4-6 so far. Nolan will fancy his chances of extending his scoring tally against Kildare. Kildare surrendered a thirteen point lead last time out against Westmeath. Carlow hold the aces here to continue their unbeaten run.
What will we learn from this weekend?
The two top teams may be locked in after this weekend’s round. Tournament organizers will hope that this is not the case but Carlow and Laois have held all the aces. The relegation battle looks the intriguing battle. The Mullingar fixture will yield massive clues to who goes down from the competition this season.
Round 3 Predictions
- Westmeath vs. Down – Westmeath win by 4 / 5 points.
- Carlow vs. Kildare – Carlow win by 10 points plus.
- Laois vs. Kerry – Laois win by 10 points plus.