Including the Munster hurling final there are three provincial deciders this weekend as well as six qualifier games.

Saturday, July 17th

Munster SHC final replay - Cork v. Waterford

It's back to Thurles for both these teams on Saturday evening as they bid to be crowned the 2010 Munster champions. The drawn game had an exciting finish as veteran Tony Browne scored a last gasp goal to earn a replay. It looked as if Cork had done enough to claim the title, but credit to Waterford they showed great character to come back and earn another day out. The Déise have plenty of experience in their ranks and the introduction of Dan Shanahan and Ken McGrath seemed to lift the side.

Both will probably be on the bench again, but they are certain to play some part. Cork too, have a strong bench and Michael Cussen must be pushing hard for a starting place. Cork will be disappointed that they didn't hold on for the win, while Waterford now have the confidence to beat them. Despite the drawn game being below par, expect the replay to be an exciting clash with Cork tipped to get over the finish line this time. Verdict: Cork

Ladbrokes.com odds: Cork 1/2; Draw 10/1; Waterford 15/8

All-Ireland SFC qualifier - Dublin v. Armagh

Two sides desperately needing a win meet at GAA headquarters in this clash. Neither Dublin or Armagh covered themselves in glory during their respective provincial campaigns, while in the last round of qualifiers, both struggled to overcome so called 'lesser opposition'. Dublin are reliant on the Brogan brothers for scores at the moment, while Armagh look to Stevie McDonnell, although Jamie Clarke looks set to ease the burden on the former All-Star.

Dublin unearthed a new talent in Michael Darragh McAuley last weekend and his energy could be vital to their campaign this year. Eamonn Fennell is set to start having come on against Tipperary and the Dubs could be all the stronger for it. Armagh will provide them with a stern test, but they are a team in transition and may have to wait another year or two before their back to their best. Verdict: Dublin

Ladbrokes.com odds: Dublin 8/11; Draw 15/2; Armagh 11/8

All-Ireland SFC qualifier - Derry v. Kildare

Derry have struggled to overcome both Carlow and Westmeath on their travels, but they have been rewarded with a home tie and what a difference that could make. Joe Diver will be free to play, despite being sent off during the win over Westmeath after he received two yellow cards. The form of Mark Lynch has been crucial to their run in the qualifiers and he seems to have taken the mantle of leader. It remains to be seen if Fergal Doherty will be fit for the match, but it is unlikely and that is a huge loss to the Ulster side.

Kildare needed two attempts to defeat Antrim and then easily brushed aside the challenge of Leitrim. Now they face their toughest test and they need everyone playing to their full potential. If they can do that then there is no reason why they can't progress to the next phase of the qualifiers. Verdict: Kildare

Ladbrokes.com odds: Derry 4/5; Draw 15/2; Kildare 5/4

All-Ireland SFC qualifier - Offaly v. Down

For the third game in a row Offaly have a home tie, but on this occasion they will face their toughest test to date when Down visit O'Connor Park. The Faithful County have struggled to find their form and they will need to show a vast improvement against the Ulster side. In Niall McNamee, they have one of the top forwards in the country and if they can get the right supply of ball into him, then he will cause problems for the Down defence.

The Mourne men ended Longford's run in the qualifiers and they will benefit from a competitive match having being sitting idle since their defeat to Tyrone last month. It remains to be seen how Down fare on their travels, but they should have enough firepower to see off Offaly in this one. Verdict: Down

Ladbrokes.com odds: Offaly 2/1; Draw 15/2; Down 8/11

All-Ireland SHC qualifier - Dublin v. Antrim

Dublin hurlers are certainly full of confidence following their demolition of Clare last weekend. Some of the scores taken by the Dubs were right out of the top drawer. In Dotsy O'Callaghan and Alan McCrabbe, they have two forwards capable of unlocking any defence in the country. Anthony Daly has a strong unit at his disposal, while he can call on experienced players like Liam Ryan and Simon Lambert to come in from the bench.

Antrim had to dig deep to defeat Carlow in the last round and if they give Dublin the same opportunities that were given to the Barrowsiders, then they could be in trouble. They too have some excellent forwards, in particular Liam Watson and Neil McManus, but the Dubs in Croker should turn on the style once again. Verdict: Dublin 


Ladbrokes.com odds: Dublin 1/8; Draw 11/1; Antrim 6/1


Saturday, July 18th

Ulster SFC final - Monaghan v. Tyrone

Could this be Monaghan's year? All will be revealed on Sunday evening barring a draw and that may be a distinct possibility. Monaghan cannot be described as the new kids on the block as they are a very experienced outfit, so the occasion getting to them shouldn't be a problem. They have certainly been the form team in this year's championship and they need another good performance to see off the challenge of Tyrone.

The Red Hand County had been written off at the start of the year but wins over Antrim and Down have shown that there's life in the old dog yet. The return of Brian Dooher has been a big plus, while they have numerous players capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck. The midfield battle will be key to the outcome of this game with both sides having exceptional forwards in their ranks. This is a tough one to call, but Monaghan could be about to end that 22-year barren spell. Verdict: Monaghan

Ladbrokes.com odds: Monaghan 11/8; Draw 15/2; Tyrone 8/11

Connacht SFC final - Sligo v. Roscommon

Much has been made of Sligo's run to the final following their impressive wins over Mayo and Galway, while Roscommon have been quietly working away preparing for this game. Sligo will go in as massive favourites to take their second provincial final in four years, and it will be interesting to see how the cope with that mantle. They are a side full of confidence and they have shown great character in their games to date.

In David Kelly, they have an exceptional talent and a good performance by him on Sunday should lead to an All Star.

Roscommon have to cut out the threat of Kelly and Mark Breheny, who gave a man of the match performance against Galway, the last day. Roscommon are over dependent on Donie Shine for their scores and more of the forwards will have to carry the workload if they are to cause an upset. They have been unconvincing to date, and it would be a massive shock if they win this one. Verdict: Sligo

Ladbrokes.com odds: Sligo 2/9; Draw 9/1; Roscommon 4/1

All-Ireland SFC qualifier - Wexford v. Cork

Wexford's excellent win over Galway has been 'rewarded' with a home tie against a Cork side that annihilated Cavan last weekend. The Model County have been impressive in this year's championship and they don't seem tot be reliant on Mattie Forde for scores, as Ciaran Lyng and PJ Banville have emerged as top forwards. Wexford will need to be at their best and they have been a formidable side at home.

However, Cork are one of the best teams in the country and they arguably have the strongest squad in the championship. Their forwards are excellent with Daniel Goulding and Donnacha O'Connor being particularly impressive. Their physical strength is one of their main attributes and if Wexford let Cork bully them, then they could be in trouble. The Leesiders get the nod to go through, but don't be surprised if Wexford push them all the way. Verdict: Cork

Ladbrokes.com odds: Wexford 6/1; Draw 10/1; Cork 1/7


All-Ireland SHC qualifier - Tipperary v. Offaly

Following their demolition of Wexford in the last round, Tipperary face yet another Leinster side in the qualifiers. Offaly should provide the Premier County with a tougher test than Wexford did, but whether they are strong enough to beat them is another question. They struggled for long periods against Limerick before running out five-point winners with Shane Dooley once again being their top marksman.

Tipp showed a return to form against Wexford and there is no doubt that they will have a major say in the outcome of this year's All-Ireland title. Noel McGrath has yet to hit the heights of last year, but when he does, they will have an added threat upfront. Lar Corbett is currently playing some of the best hurling of his career and he will cause the Offaly defence major problems. Tipperary should pull through comfortably. Verdict: Tipperary 


Ladbrokes.com odds: Tipperary 1/9; Draw 12/1; 13/2 Tweet

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