Brian Barry
GAA Editor @BrianGBarry
Mayo take another crack at Dublin, and more talking points ahead of the GAA weekend
Last Updated: 23/02/19 11:32am
Ahead of the weekend's Allianz League action, we take a look at the main talking points.
Can Mayo finally beat a Jim Gavin-trained Dublin team?
The latest chapter in a rivalry that in many ways has defined the decade comes at Croke Park on Saturday. James Horan encounters the biggest test of his second coming to date when Mayo take on the All-Ireland champions.
Jim Gavin will be eager to continue his unbeaten run against the Connacht county, particularly in light of two losses from their opening three games.
The Sky Blues will remain hot favourites for the All-Ireland this year, regardless of Saturday's result. However, should Mayo deliver a result in Croke Park, it would undoubtedly inject some doubt in the Dublin psyche, as they move further from the Division 1 summit.
Will Tyrone stop the rot?
Without a point on the board after two games, the Red Hands trailed by seven away to Roscommon in Round Three. However, Mickey Harte's charges came roaring back in the game to salvage a draw, but nonetheless dwell in the relegation zone of Division One.
The 2018 All-Ireland finalists will be eager to use that second-half comeback in Dr Hyde Park as a springboard, and after a two-week break they host Monaghan on Saturday night.
A win over their Ulster rivals would ensure they build momentum. However, if the Farney County avenge last year's All-Ireland semi-final loss, Tyrone will find themselves in a real relegation scrap.
Can Cork deliver a result to arrest the slump?
The storm clouds continue to hover over Cork football, but a win at home to Meath on Saturday night would offer a ray of hope. Relegation to Division 3 looks a real possibility at present, and anything less than a win would compound their woes.
With so much talk surrounding their fortunes, or lack thereof, Ronan McCarthy's charges need to make home advantage count in Páirc Uí Rinn.
Andy McEntee's Royals have enjoyed a positive start to the springtime campaign, with two wins and a narrow loss in Ballybofey. Two points this weekend would keep them right in the mix for a return to the top tier.
'Five-year plans not Cork's culture'
Stakes in Tipperary vs Kilkenny as high as ever
Clashes with Kilkenny have defined Tipp's seasons in recent years. Indeed, many argue that the Premier never managed to recover following the league final loss last April.
Tipp have plundered through the opening three rounds of the league, with Liam Sheedy's outfit clearly aiming to peak in the summer. Rest assured however, Sunday is not just another league game for Tipperary.
The Cats head for Thurles, coming off the back of consecutive losses to Clare and Limerick, and Brian Cody knows the importance of avoiding a slump.
This rivalry seldom fails to disappoint.
What shape are Waterford in?
The Déise have cruised through Division 1B so far, with facile wins over Offaly, Laois and Carlow. However, things are set to prove more difficult from here. They travel to Parnell Park to take on Dublin on Sunday afternoon, a perennially tricky assignment, before closing out their campaign at home to Galway.
Paraic Fanning's side are perhaps a county who could benefit from a Division 1 title, but in truth we have seen little of their credentials to date. Should they deliver a result against a Dublin team aiming to bounce back from defeat in Salthill last week, the Déise will be in good shape ahead of the knockout stages.
On paper they don't need a result on Sunday afternoon, but delivering one would certainly be a statement.
