Paul Flynn's football championship predictions

Leinster SFC quarter-finals

Meath go into this as favourites, a new position for them and a new status for them to deal with. It will be interesting to see how they deal with that. They have the players, they have the momentum, the confidence that winning in Croke Park (Division 2 final) brings.

I expect them to come in well prepared, and they will need to be. Westmeath scored 5-25 last week in easing past Longford. It will be a test for Meath, but they should come through.

Verdict: Meath

It is going to be difficult for Louth to retain their Leinster title as there is a lot of competition, starting this weekend with promoted Wexford. Manager John Hegarty has done an amazing job with this team. They will have gained so much from their league campaign and that experience in Croke Park.

I expect them to really take this game to Louth, but in the latter stages of the league, Louth were absolutely excellent. Gavin Devlin has really got a tune out of his players, even with a lengthy injury list. It could be a cracker and I expect the Wee County to get over the line.

Verdict: Louth

It's hard to know what impact Ger Brennan’s suspension will have on Dublin, who have had an up-and-down start to the season. That noise from the suspension is something they could have done without, but they have enough experience in the management team to be able to deal with this.

On top of that, there is a really experienced cohort of players there and I expect a bit of an edge from the team, which will be no harm. I expect them to come out all guns blazing, but it won’t be easy in Aughrim, especially with Wicklow’s performance against Carlow.

Verdict: Dublin

This could be the upset of the weekend. Laois put three goals on Offaly in the championship, and while Kildare did the the same in the league, Laois are coming into this with real momentum, while the Lilywhites have been up-and-down.

Kildare at their best, absolutely you would back them, but that’s the question, can they get to their best? I saw Laois last weekend and Evan O’Carroll looked really good. Maybe it’s recency bias, but I’m tipping Laois.

Verdict: Laois

Ulster SFC quarter-finals

Derry should really have too much for the Saffrons. I’m really excited to see what their season looks like, especially in Ulster. They have the players, and they seem to have the bit between their teeth again with some serious performances in the league.

Verdict: Derry

This is very much a 50/50 game. Monaghan are at home which is a slight advantage, but I saw a little bit more from Cavan during the league and I think this game may require extra-time to settle it. If it does go down the stretch, I’m backing Cavan.

Verdict: Cavan

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