Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, Saturday 7pm
Dublin (-6.0) points – 4/6
Dublin have scored 4-30 in their two wins to date in Division 1, an average of 21 points per game, and it feels like they have yet to accelerate out of second-gear, never mind try third or fourth.
They have trailed by two points at half-time against both Kildare and Tyrone, but early second-half surges have quickly put the issue beyond doubt. The Boys in Blue have players playing for positions, like Michael Daragh McAuley, who felt he got a raw deal in 2017 and has a point to prove.
They have unearthed a few gems in Brian Howard and Niall Scully too. Meanwhile, Declan Bonner is at pains to prove that Donegal can play an attacking brand of football, but something seems to be getting lost in translation and they could be in for a long night at Croke Park if they’re too adventurous.
They conceded 2-18 against Kerry and 1-12 to Galway, so defensive issues are at the forefront of their problems. A home win by a wide-margin looks in store.
Racing Post pick: Dublin -6
Cavan v Meath, Kingspan Breffni, Saturday 7pm
Cavan/Cavan double result – 11/4
Neighbours Meath and Cavan are both sitting with three points after two games in Division 2, but on a strict line of form through Clare this should be a comfortable success for the Royals.
Cavan only drew with the Banner boys, whereas Andy McEntee’s men dished out a 0-21 to 0-7 hammering to them last Sunday. It may not be so simple, though, as there was a lot to like about Cavan’s second-half showing against Louth.
They have Cian Mackey back firing on all cylinders and Gearoid McKiernan made a welcome appearance as a substitute in the wide-margin win over the Wee County so is in contention for a starting spot this time.
With the benefit of home advantage, Cavan are fancied to maintain their unbeaten record and odds of 11/4 about them leading at half-time and full-time look very generous indeed.
Racing Post pick: Cavan/Cavan double result
Galway v Mayo, Pearse Stadium, Sunday 2pm
Galway to win – 6/5
Mayo have stumbled their way to two points from their opening two matches in Division 2, but they have not played well in either outing and were lucky to bag maximum points from their opening day trip to Monaghan.
They were outplayed for long durations of their recent loss to Kerry and that 1-15 to 2-9 loss was all the more disappointing when you take into consideration that the Kingdom played a lot of the second half with just 13 men.
They’re finding life tough without Lee Keegan and could be vulnerable once again.
Galway, in contrast, have made a bright start to life in Division 1 and wins over Tyrone and Donegal sees them sit level on points with Dublin at the top of the table. Damien Comer has been playing a captain’s role at full-forward and his presence could do serious damage to a Mayo full-back line which conceded 1-15 to Kerry.
Galway should be favourites in a lot of people’s eye at home and can make it three wins from three.
Racing Post pick: Galway
Head over to PaddyPower.com for the latest GAA odds* All odds correct at time of posting.