Armagh will top Group One if they win or draw against Galway at Markievicz Park on Sunday. Both teams have four points from two games, but Armagh’s superior goal difference means a draw would be enough to grab top spot.
“Galway have a couple of key injuries and I think that gives Armagh the edge. I thought last day Armagh looked physically imposing and also athletically they can get round the pitch [in beating Derry 3-17 to 0-15].
“I think that will give them a huge amount of confidence. You have to go to Celtic Park and perform and that’s what Armagh did. It’s the same scenario in Sligo, they have to go there and they have to perform, but I think Armagh will edge it by a couple of points.”
In Group Four, Monaghan could seal a spot in the preliminary quarter-finals with a draw against Meath at Breffni Park on Sunday and the Farney county can still finish second with a comfortable win over Meath and a heavy defeat for Louth against Kerry.
“You talk about reactions and the person who needs the most reaction in the country is probably Colm O’Rourke [Meath manager]. The two results they have had so far [losing 3-10 to 0-9 against Louth and 2-18 to 0-9 against Kerry] have been really poor. They had a good 35 minutes against Kerry. Other than that their season has not been great.
“I expect Monaghan to have the resolve and I can see a few of the older stagers being wheeled out this weekend to get that result and I think that will be key for them.
“I don’t think there is a long summer of football ahead for Monaghan but I think they will feel this is a key game for them and if they advance they become dangerous. I do expect them to beat Meath.”