Football ranking table

Jayop

sting60 wrote: »

Please explain "obvious effectiveness of its accuracy" that statement is laughable. Dublin/Kerry the rest don't count.Explain how lower division counties can outpoint higher division teams.That assessment is equated to Man Utd been assessed lesser to Burnley based on this chart.

Points are awarded based on where the team you play is in relation to you. So if a team in 1st beats a team in last then they are awarded nothing whereas the team in last beats Dublin they'll get a load of points. It's like a par system in golf and works really well.

The teams low down the table generally have to beat teams above them in order to climb. Because of their position in the table this is harder for them. Don't forget that the championship is also included.


Surely is you look back over the thread and look at where the teams on it are then surely you would agree that it's pretty much always spot on.

kupus

sting60 wrote: »

Teams from lower leagues outpoint teams from Div1 which is complete rubbish.This assessment should be taken with a serious pinch of salt.

Ive followed this thread from the start and its pretty accurate, some hiccups but thats the nature of the game.

Ive deleted what I really said just to be civil and not get banned but you should just appreciate the effort that this guy goes to, to get this done.

irish,

Godge

kupus wrote: »

Ive followed this thread from the start and its pretty accurate, some hiccups but thats the nature of the game.

Ive deleted what I really said just to be civil and not get banned but you should just appreciate the effort that this guy goes to, to get this done.

irish,

I agree, this is a very useful thread and a lot of work put into it by laoisman, he deserves a lot of thanks.

Utopia Parkway

laoisman11 wrote: »

Leagues done and dusted and it was good to see some surprises on the final days, even if they were in the lower divisions.

• Clare were the big winners, gaining 2.62 rating points and climbing to 14th position, their highest since October 2000.
• Louth and Antrim effectively switched places following the Division 4 final.
• Tyrone edged closer to 3rd position and it is hard to argue with that based on their recent form
• Dublin consolidate their position as the top dog and will soon break the all-time record for rating points attained.

I have also included an end-of-league review;

• Cavan were the major movers, climbing 11 places in a promotion-clinching run through the league
• Clare moved up 8 places and crowned it with a divisional title
• Roscommon, Offaly and Louth each gained 4 places
• Derry and Westmeath were the main losers, each dropping 5 placES

#|Δ |Rank|Team|Δ Rating| Δ Rating 1/1/16|Δ Ranking 1/1/16
1 | = | Dublin | 112.01 | 1.12 | 2.58 | 0
2 | = | Kerry | 102.22 | -1.12 | -1.40 | 0
3 | = | Mayo | 96.72 | 0.00 | -3.74 | 0
4 | = | Tyrone | 95.83 | 0.63 | -0.62 | 0
5 | = | Donegal | 93.27 | 0.00 | -2.44 | 0
6 | = | Monaghan | 92.51 | 0.00 | -3.11 | 0
7 | = | Cork | 91.15 | 0.00 | 1.79 | 3
8 | ▲ | Roscommon | 90.47 | 0.00 | 6.78 | 4
9 | ▼ | Kildare | 88.42 | -2.62 | -4.42 | -2
10 | = | Cavan | 85.91 | -0.63 | 10.64 | 11
11 | = | Galway | 85.89 | 0.00 | -3.81 | -3
12 | = | Fermanagh | 84.85 | 0.00 | -4.54 | -3
13 | = | Armagh | 83.87 | 0.00 | 1.23 | 1
14 | ▲ 3 | Clare | 82.51 | 2.62 | 9.06 | 8
15 | ▼ | Meath | 82.43 | 0.00 | -0.59 | -2
16 | ▼ | Derry | 81.87 | 0.00 | -3.65 | -5
17 | ▼ | Longford | 79.98 | 0.00 | 1.75 | 1
18 | = | Sligo | 78.88 | 0.00 | -1.66 | -2
19 | = | Tipperary | 77.79 | 0.00 | -1.20 | -2
20 | = | Westmeath | 77.33 | 0.00 | -3.23 | -5
21 | = | Down | 76.81 | 0.00 | -0.46 | -2
22 | = | Offaly | 76.25 | 0.00 | 5.01 | 4
23 | ▲ 3 | Louth | 74.49 | 1.66 | 4.04 | 4
24 | = | Wexford | 73.26 | 0.00 | -2.52 | -4
25 | = | Laois | 73.14 | 0.00 | 1.34 | -1
26 | ▼ 3 | Antrim | 72.79 | -1.66 | 1.09 | -1
27 | = | Limerick | 66.99 | 0.00 | -5.31 | -4
28 | = | Wicklow | 61.94 | 0.00 | 0.65 | 1
29 | = | Leitrim | 61.23 | 0.00 | -3.33 | -1
30 | = | Carlow | 61.20 | 0.00 | 0.29 | 1
31 | = | Waterford | 59.14 | 0.00 | 2.82 | 2
32 | = | London | 58.03 | 0.00 | -3.04 | -2
33 | = | New York | 57.17 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -1

Kildare being so high is the only head scratcher for me.

laoisman11

The SFC almost started with a mighty bang 2 weeks ago but Roscommon did just about enough to postpone the consternation of the Connacht council to the day New York eventually win a game.

There are 4 games up for decision this weekend, and with the possible exception of Fermanagh, it is difficult to imagine any of these teams being involved in the championship in late July.

Carlow (61.20) vs Louth (74.49)
Carlow had an average league campaign, mixing the good with the bad without ever threatening to get out of Div 4. Louth did achieve that, however, and took the Division 4 title for good measure. Louth do seem to be in a much better place here. Prediction: Louth by 7

Laois (73.14, at home) vs Wicklow (61.94)
Relegation to Div 3 following an extremely poor league campaign resulted in Anthony Cunningham being drafted in as coach. What effect he can have in a few weeks remains to be seen, but it was considered a move in the right direction by the Laois panel. Wicklow will compete but it is hard to see them getting anything here. Prediction: Laois by 6

Offaly (76.25, at home) vs Longford (79.98)
Both Offally and Longford missed out on promotion from Division 3 based on scoring difference; Offaly won their encounter during the league by 2 points. They met in the first round last year also, with Longford overturning their Division 4 final defeat a few weeks earlier with a 3 point win in O'Connor Park. Can they do it again? The prediction model doesn't believe so: Offaly by 2

Fermanagh (84.85, at home) vs Antrim (72.79)
This could be a story of the two Tomás's - Corrigan and McCann. Both finished in the top 10 scorers after the leagues had run their course, although 2 divisions lay between them. Fermanagh are accustomed to playing at a higher level, and while Antrim might have a point to prove following the Div 4 final loss, the Brewster Park fortress should help Fermanagh advance to play Donegal. Prediction: Fermanagh by 4

Blackjack

laoisman11 wrote: »

The SFC almost started with a mighty bang 2 weeks ago but Roscommon did just about enough to postpone the consternation of the Connacht council to the day New York eventually win a game.

There are 4 games up for decision this weekend, and with the possible exception of Fermanagh, it is difficult to imagine any of these teams being involved in the championship in late July.

Carlow (61.20) vs Louth (74.49)
Carlow had an average league campaign, mixing the good with the bad without ever threatening to get out of Div 4. Louth did achieve that, however, and took the Division 4 title for good measure. Louth do seem to be in a much better place here. Prediction: Louth by 7

Laois (73.14, at home) vs Wicklow (61.94)
Relegation to Div 3 following an extremely poor league campaign resulted in Anthony Cunningham being drafted in as coach. What effect he can have in a few weeks remains to be seen, but it was considered a move in the right direction by the Laois panel. Wicklow will compete but it is hard to see them getting anything here. Prediction: Laois by 6

Offaly (76.25, at home) vs Longford (79.98)
Both Offally and Longford missed out on promotion from Division 3 based on scoring difference; Offaly won their encounter during the league by 2 points. They met in the first round last year also, with Longford overturning their Division 4 final defeat a few weeks earlier with a 3 point win in O'Connor Park. Can they do it again? The prediction model doesn't believe so: Offaly by 2

Fermanagh (84.85, at home) vs Antrim (72.79)
This could be a story of the two Tomás's - Corrigan and McCann. Both finished in the top 10 scorers after the leagues had run their course, although 2 divisions lay between them. Fermanagh are accustomed to playing at a higher level, and while Antrim might have a point to prove following the Div 4 final loss, the Brewster Park fortress should help Fermanagh advance to play Donegal. Prediction: Fermanagh by 4

Used the above as the basis of my treble bet this weekend, which came through at just shy of 4.2' which is nice.

Love this thread!

laoisman11

Antrim, Wicklow and Carlow lost minor rating points compared to the loss suffered by Longford (5.62) following their loss to Offaly. Consequently, Offaly and Longford almost swap positions in the rankings.

#|Δ |Rank|Team|Δ Rating
1 | = | Dublin | 112.01 | 0.00
2 | = | Kerry | 102.22 | 0.00
3 | = | Mayo | 96.72 | 0.00
4 | = | Tyrone | 95.83 | 0.00
5 | = | Donegal | 93.27 | 0.00
6 | = | Monaghan | 92.51 | 0.00
7 | = | Cork | 91.15 | 0.00
8 | = | Roscommon | 90.47 | 0.00
9 | = | Kildare | 88.42 | 0.00
10 | = | Cavan | 85.91 | 0.00
11 | = | Galway | 85.89 | 0.00
12 | = | Fermanagh | 85.73 | 0.88
13 | = | Armagh | 83.87 | 0.00
14 | = | Clare | 82.51 | 0.00
15 | = | Meath | 82.43 | 0.00
16 | = | Derry | 81.87 | 0.00
17 | ▲ 5 | Offaly | 81.87 | 5.62
18 | = | Sligo | 78.88 | 0.00
19 | = | Tipperary | 77.79 | 0.00
20 | = | Westmeath | 77.33 | 0.00
21 | = | Down | 76.81 | 0.00
22 | ▲ | Louth | 75.00 | 0.51
23 | ▼ 6 | Longford | 74.36 | -5.62
24 | ▲ | Laois | 74.28 | 1.14
25 | ▼ | Wexford | 73.26 | 0.00
26 | = | Antrim | 71.91 | -0.88
27 | = | Limerick | 66.99 | 0.00
28 | ▲ | Leitrim | 61.23 | 0.00
29 | ▼ | Wicklow | 60.80 | -1.14
30 | = | Carlow | 60.69 | -0.51
31 | = | Waterford | 59.14 | 0.00
32 | = | London | 58.03 | 0.00
33 | = | New York | 57.17 | 0.00

Jayop

Nothing to be gained in the rankings for Tyrone this weekend given Derry are more than 10 below us is my understanding.

Anyway, can you do another run down like you did for last weekend? I'd love to whack a bet on the basis of it.

laoisman11

Jayop wrote: »

Nothing to be gained in the rankings for Tyrone this weekend given Derry are more than 10 below us is my understanding.

Anyway, can you do another run down like you did for last weekend? I'd love to whack a bet on the basis of it.

Crap....I had written up a review of this weekend's games last night directly after the table above and I'm almost 100% certain that I posted it......It seems to have got lost somewhere.....I'll try to dig it out tonight

BTW, 15 points is the cut-off for gaining rating points for the favourite. Derry, having home advantage, add 3 points to their rating for the calculations (81.87+3=84.87), so there is almost 11 rating points difference between the teams, and something to be gained for Tyrone should they win.

laoisman11

Wexford (73.26) vs Kildare (88.42)
If this game were in Wexford, one might feel that Kildare could be put under some pressure. Wexford almost made it out of Division 4 while Kildare ground out solid wins in Div 3 without ever setting the world alight. The Div 3 final loss to Clare won't have gone down too well but they should still have too much for Wexford here. Prediction: Kildare by 6

Leitrim (61.23, at home) vs Roscommon (90.47)
Roscommon have been well warned of the perils of underestimating underdogs (Sligo 2015, New York 2016) and if they haven't learnt their lesson by now, they never will. Leitrim had a disastrous league while the world was raving about Roscommon's performances. Even with the return of Emlyn Mulligan, it is difficult to see Leitrim making much of an impact. Prediction: Roscommon by 9

Derry (81.87, at home) vs Tyrone (95.83)
Tyrone, along with Roscommon, are many people's favourites to upset the apple cart of the top 3 of Dublin, Kerry and Mayo. Along with Dublin, Tyrone were the only unbeaten team in the league, a feat achieved with minimal fuss, which will no doubt have pleased their maestro. Derry had a solid league campaign in Division 2, but in reality, it could have gone either way. Still, games between these 2 are traditionally very tight and this one won't be any different. Prediction: Tyrone by 2

A note for would-be gamblers: the prediction model is heavily biased towards recent previous form and slightly towards prior results between the teams. It doesn't take into account surprises, shocks, injuries to key players, bad weather, lightning and in general, lads not giving a ****e. Advance with caution.

seligehgit

laoisman11 wrote: »

Wexford (73.26) vs Kildare (88.42)
If this game were in Wexford, one might feel that Kildare could be put under some pressure. Wexford almost made it out of Division 4 while Kildare ground out solid wins in Div 3 without ever setting the world alight. The Div 3 final loss to Clare won't have gone down too well but they should still have too much for Wexford here. Prediction: Kildare by 6

Leitrim (61.23, at home) vs Roscommon (90.47)
Roscommon have been well warned of the perils of underestimating underdogs (Sligo 2015, New York 2016) and if they haven't learnt their lesson by now, they never will. Leitrim had a disastrous league while the world was raving about Roscommon's performances. Even with the return of Emlyn Mulligan, it is difficult to see Leitrim making much of an impact. Prediction: Roscommon by 9

Derry (81.87, at home) vs Tyrone (95.83)
Tyrone, along with Roscommon, are many people's favourites to upset the apple cart of the top 3 of Dublin, Kerry and Mayo. Along with Dublin, Tyrone were the only unbeaten team in the league, a feat achieved with minimal fuss, which will no doubt have pleased their maestro. Derry had a solid league campaign in Division 2, but in reality, it could have gone either way. Still, games between these 2 are traditionally very tight and this one won't be any different. Prediction: Tyrone by 2

A note for would-be gamblers: the prediction model is heavily biased towards recent previous form and slightly towards prior results between the teams. It doesn't take into account surprises, shocks, injuries to key players, bad weather, lightning and in general, lads not giving a ****e. Advance with caution.

I can only imagine there may be the odd boardsie using your wonderful prediction model for the All Ireland SFC pools.

Jayop

laoisman11 wrote: »

Wexford (73.26) vs Kildare (88.42)
If this game were in Wexford, one might feel that Kildare could be put under some pressure. Wexford almost made it out of Division 4 while Kildare ground out solid wins in Div 3 without ever setting the world alight. The Div 3 final loss to Clare won't have gone down too well but they should still have too much for Wexford here. Prediction: Kildare by 6

Leitrim (61.23, at home) vs Roscommon (90.47)
Roscommon have been well warned of the perils of underestimating underdogs (Sligo 2015, New York 2016) and if they haven't learnt their lesson by now, they never will. Leitrim had a disastrous league while the world was raving about Roscommon's performances. Even with the return of Emlyn Mulligan, it is difficult to see Leitrim making much of an impact. Prediction: Roscommon by 9

Derry (81.87, at home) vs Tyrone (95.83)
Tyrone, along with Roscommon, are many people's favourites to upset the apple cart of the top 3 of Dublin, Kerry and Mayo. Along with Dublin, Tyrone were the only unbeaten team in the league, a feat achieved with minimal fuss, which will no doubt have pleased their maestro. Derry had a solid league campaign in Division 2, but in reality, it could have gone either way. Still, games between these 2 are traditionally very tight and this one won't be any different. Prediction: Tyrone by 2

A note for would-be gamblers: the prediction model is heavily biased towards recent previous form and slightly towards prior results between the teams. It doesn't take into account surprises, shocks, injuries to key players, bad weather, lightning and in general, lads not giving a ****e. Advance with caution.

Used exactly that as the basis for a treble.

Tyrone (-1) @4/7
Kildare (-5.0) @EVS
Roscommon (-8) @13/10
Total Stake €5.00
Potential Return €36.14

laoisman11

First up, I have just realised that there was an error in the calculation of the ratings since the start of this year (effectively, the home/away/neutral status was not taken into account). As the league was more or less played on a home/away basis, any discrepancies mostly cancelled themselves out, although there are some minor rearrangement of ranking places of teams which had similar rating points.

The good news (especially for Tyrone fans smarting after taking a loss on a wild bet ) is that Tyrone have drawn level with Mayo and now share 3rd place. If Tyrone can win their Ulster semi-final, they will by-pass Mayo, regardless of the result of the Connacht semi-final.

Derry drop one place, with Offaly entering the top 16 for the first time since March 2008.

The remaining games (Kildare-Wexford, Leitrim-Roscommon) did not result in rating point exchanges.

#|Δ |Rank|Team|Δ Rating
1 | = | Dublin | 111.55 | 0
2 | = | Kerry | 102.98 | 0
3 | = | Mayo | 97.29 | 0
3 | ▲ | Tyrone | 97.29 | 0.31
5 | = | Donegal | 93.04 | 0
6 | = | Monaghan | 92.10 | 0
7 | = | Cork | 90.70 | 0
8 | = | Roscommon | 90.63 | 0
9 | = | Kildare | 88.92 | 0
10 | = | Galway | 85.88 | 0
11 | = | Cavan | 85.51 | 0
12 | = | Fermanagh | 84.43 | 0
13 | = | Armagh | 83.31 | 0
14 | = | Meath | 83.10 | 0
15 | = | Clare | 82.60 | 0
16 | ▲ | Offaly | 81.16 | 0
17 | ▼ | Derry | 81.07 | -0.31
18 | = | Sligo | 78.21 | 0
19 | = | Tipperary | 77.98 | 0
20 | = | Westmeath | 77.84 | 0
21 | = | Down | 76.87 | 0
22 | = | Louth | 75.30 | 0
23 | = | Longford | 75.24 | 0
24 | = | Laois | 73.57 | 0
25 | = | Wexford | 73.14 | 0
26 | = | Antrim | 72.56 | 0
27 | = | Limerick | 66.20 | 0
28 | = | Wicklow | 61.93 | 0
29 | = | Leitrim | 61.43 | 0.0
30 | = | Carlow | 61.07 | 0
31 | = | Waterford | 58.67 | 0
32 | = | London | 57.61 | 0
33 | = | New York | 57.17 | 0

Jayop

Fecking Kildare!!

nice_guy80

Kildare in 9th????

laoisman11

nice_guy80 wrote: »

Kildare in 9th????

A remnant of their voyage to an All-Ireland quarter-final place last year in conjunction with a league campaign where they won 6 from 8.

Johner

laoisman11 wrote: »

A remnant of their voyage to an All-Ireland quarter-final place last year in conjunction with a league campaign where they won 6 from 8.

We were in division 3 though, and just beat a division 4 side by a point. We seem a little high in the rankings. I'd have teams like Cavan and Galway ahead of us. They probably will be soon though.

Jayop

Johner wrote: »

We were in division 3 though, and just beat a division 4 side by a point. We seem a little high in the rankings. I'd have teams like Cavan and Galway ahead of us. They probably will be soon though.

There's always outliers in a table created like this. It's probably accurate to within 2 places for 30 teams though.

Fr Tod Umptious

People need to remember that the table is not as good snapshot for a particular date but more a year long indication of where teams are.

Johner

I don't disagree with those points I think it's a good system in the main. Are Cavan not ahead of Galway though? They were in last weeks table.

Jayop

Johner wrote: »

I don't disagree with those points I think it's a good system in the main. Are Cavan not ahead of Galway though? They were in last weeks table.

Must have been one of the teams effected by the error since Christmas. I'd imagine they'll beat Armagh at the weekend and retake that place.

HanaleiJ5N

It makes sense when you look at it closely.

I'm not surprised a team that's won 10 of their last 13 competitive games is as high as 9th. (4 of those wins coming in championship games with higher weighted ratings exchange). Two of their last 4 defeats were Kerry and Dublin.

They have been somewhat fortunate to have generally been playing against low ranked opposition, and looking at the Leinster championship they are in all likelihood going to contest the Leinster final which they will most likely lose to Dublin. So they will probably hold 9th until towards the end of July when they enter round 4 of the qualifiers.

At this stage, win that game and they're 9th or higher, which given they would then progress to the last 8 would check out.

Lose, they'll fall to 10th, 11th, 12th or thereabouts, which again would check out as the round 4 losers are the bottom 4 of the last 12.

I agree they probably are placed a few places above their "true" ranking (something which is non-calculable) but some teams will get the rub of the green in a points exchange based system.

It's interesting to see how these systems play out over the full season but it's always better to hold off on any major judgement until the season has ended, the final table in general doesn't lie.

laoisman11

Four games up this weekend:

Cavan (85.51, at home) vs Armagh (83.31)
The time of reckoning has arrived for both camps here. Cavan surprised everyone with promotion from Division 2. In doing so, they shook off the notion that they were timid in front of the posts, shooting the highest total score of the top 3 divisions in the league. They also appear to have a good spread of scorers with Johnston and McKiernan the go-to men. Armagh find themselves back in Division 3 for 2017, relegated on scoring difference which was no doubt highly influenced by a 17 point mauling by Cavan. It’s highly unlikely that we will see a similar score-line here, but still, Cavan are tipped to win. Just. Prediction: Cavan by 1

London (57.61, at home) vs Mayo (97.29)
Mayo’s voyage of the last 5 years could have been over before it started in 2011 if London had managed to hold out for victory in Ruislip. Since then, London have occasionally made advances, reaching a Connacht final in 2013, but there have been setbacks too. Finishing bottom of Division 4 is probably more indicative of London’s current standing, and with Mayo getting set for an extended championship run, I expect to see them running riot here. The prediction model is more cautious though. Mayo by 14

Limerick (66.20, at home) vs Clare (82.60)
Contrasting fortunes for these teams in Division 3 of the league. Clare managed to pip a bunch of would-be contenders, secure promotion and a league title with an excellent win over Kildare, whereas Limerick’s sole point came from a home draw with Tipperary. Clare did beat Limerick by 6 points in their league fixture in Newcastlewest, and the open expanse of the Gaelic Grounds may give them further room for latitude. Nevertheless, championship games between these 2 are generally tight Clare by 4

Waterford (58.67, at home) vs Tipperary (77.98)
Although Waterford’s end-of-year position in Division 4 doesn’t look good (3rd from bottom), they did lose 4 of their games by 2 points or less. They generally don’t concede big scores (nor get big scores either) so if they continue in this vein, Tipperary might have a frustrating afternoon. Waterford should also have a point to prove after last year’s 22-point drubbing by the same opposition in Thurles. Still, Tipperary’s class is expected to shine through. Predicition: Tipperary by 5

laoisman11

• Cavan cemented their position in the top 10 with a bonus point win over Armagh
• Armagh meanwhile dropped 4 positions in the rankings and look to have a lot of work on their hands to turn this year around
• Clare gained a measly 0.32 rating points for beating Limerick, a result which did not really affect the ranking of either team
• No rating points were exchanged in the London-Mayo or Waterford-Tipperary games

#|Δ |Rank|Team|Δ Rating
1 | = | Dublin | 111.55 | 0.00
2 | = | Kerry | 102.98 | 0.00
3 | = | Mayo | 97.29 | 0.00
3 | = | Tyrone | 97.29 | 0.00
5 | = | Donegal | 93.04 | 0.00
6 | = | Monaghan | 92.10 | 0.00
7 | = | Cork | 90.70 | 0.00
8 | = | Roscommon | 90.63 | 0.00
9 | = | Kildare | 88.92 | 0.00
10 | ▲ | Cavan | 88.45 | 2.94
11 | ▼ | Galway | 85.88 | 0.00
12 | = | Fermanagh | 84.43 | 0.00
13 | ▲ | Meath | 83.10 | 0.00
14 | ▲ | Clare | 82.92 | 0.32
15 | ▲ | Offaly | 81.16 | 0.00
16 | ▲ | Derry | 81.07 | 0.00
17 | ▼ 4 | Armagh | 80.37 | -2.94
18 | = | Sligo | 78.21 | 0.00
19 | = | Tipperary | 77.98 | 0.00
20 | = | Westmeath | 77.84 | 0.00
21 | = | Down | 76.87 | 0.00
22 | = | Louth | 75.30 | 0.00
23 | = | Longford | 75.24 | 0.00
24 | = | Laois | 73.57 | 0.00
25 | = | Wexford | 73.14 | 0.00
26 | = | Antrim | 72.56 | 0.00
27 | = | Limerick | 65.88 | -0.32
28 | = | Wicklow | 61.93 | 0.00
29 | = | Leitrim | 61.43 | 0.00
30 | = | Carlow | 61.07 | 0.00
31 | = | Waterford | 58.67 | 0.00
32 | = | London | 57.61 | 0.00
33 | = | New York | 57.17 | 0.00

laoisman11

The entrance of the Leinster and Ulster champions is the highlight of this weekend's action.

Dublin (111.55) vs Laois (73.57)
Most of the build-up to this game has focused on the unusual choice of venue, which I believe will have suited both camps as they focus their attention on the game itself. Dublin are raging favourites here, and it's easy to see why. Unbeaten in the last 22 games, double league champions, All-Ireland champions and now going for a 11th Leinster title in 12 years. Laois had a poor Div 2, only beating Armagh and relegated to Div 3 for next year. Some big names have been drafted into the Laois management camp in recent weeks, but one wonders is it too little, too late. The prediction model is notably cautious: Dublin by 11

Monaghan (92.10, at home) vs Down (76.87)
Both teams performed in Division 1 this year, with Monaghan hanging on to top tier status by scoring difference, while Down will want to quickly forget their 7 game losing run. Down's championship season in 2015 lasted 2 weekends, and there is little to indicate that this year will be any better. Prediction: Monaghan by 4

laoisman11

Two predictable wins at the weekend, with Monaghan largely overcoming their predicted winning margin.

As the rating points difference between teams in both games was greater than 15, no rating points were exchanged, and the overall table remains identical to last Monday.

laoisman11

With games in all provinces this weekend, one might get the feeling that the championship is starting soon! It has to be said that in the 14 games to date, we have not had one shock result yet..........this weekend maybe?

Roscommon (90.63, at home) vs Sligo (78.21)
The oddity that is the Connacht championship sees Roscommon starting their third game while Sligo enter fresh into the fray following a 2 month break from their last league game. Last year's result is sure to be fresh in the minds here, and with Roscommon having already had their warning in the big apple, they are going into this game with eyes wide open. Prediction: Roscommon by 6

Meath (83.10) vs Louth (75.30)
Meath's Division 2 form was very mixed, as much within as between games. They often built up strong half-time leads only to have great difficulty in closing out the games. The Division 4 champions have already racked up a big score in beating Carlow but will have question marks over a defence that leaked 3 goals. There actually isn't as much between these teams in rating points as one might imagine, and some may fancy an upset here. The prediction model stays traditional. Meath by 4

Westmeath (77.84, at home) vs Offaly (81.16)
Midland neighbours battle for the right to face the Dubs! Despite the attractiveness (or not) of playing Dublin, local bragging rights will be foremost in the mind here. Westmeath won the league fixture between the two while more recently, Offaly had a solid win over Longford. The tightest of the games this weekend: Offaly by 1

Tipperary (77.98, at home) vs Cork (90.70)
A tough game for Tipperary but games that they need to target if they are to progress. They have a wealth of underage talent (even if some of it is not available) while Cork are going through a lull period at the moment. Still, it's hard to envisage an upset here. Cork by 5

Kerry (102.98, at home) vs Clare (82.92)
The last of the provincial champions to enter the fray, the story of Kerry's demise seems to have been somewhat exaggerated. They are probably the second best team in the country and are hoping to keep their championship going long into September. Clare will have more modest targets. Prediction: Kerry by 10

Donegal (93.04, at home) vs Fermanagh (84.43)
I'm looking forward to see what Donegal have to offer this year. They have some serious talent and seem to want to make the most of this period. Fermanagh had an excellent run in last year's championship and won't be too fazed here. Nevertheless, Donegal's team play and overall talent should win through. Donegal by 5

slingerz

laoisman11 wrote: »

With games in all provinces this weekend, one might get the feeling that the championship is starting soon! It has to be said that in the 14 games to date, we have not had one shock result yet..........this weekend maybe?

Roscommon (90.63, at home) vs Sligo (78.21)
The oddity that is the Connacht championship sees Roscommon starting their third game while Sligo enter fresh into the fray following a 2 month break from their last league game. Last year's result is sure to be fresh in the minds here, and with Roscommon having already had their warning in the big apple, they are going into this game with eyes wide open. Prediction: Roscommon by 6

Meath (83.10) vs Louth (75.30)
Meath's Division 2 form was very mixed, as much within as between games. They often built up strong half-time leads only to have great difficulty in closing out the games. The Division 4 champions have already racked up a big score in beating Carlow but will have question marks over a defence that leaked 3 goals. There actually isn't as much between these teams in rating points as one might imagine, and some may fancy an upset here. The prediction model stays traditional. Meath by 4

Westmeath (77.84, at home) vs Offaly (81.16)
Midland neighbours battle for the right to face the Dubs! Despite the attractiveness (or not) of playing Dublin, local bragging rights will be foremost in the mind here. Westmeath won the league fixture between the two while more recently, Offaly had a solid win over Longford. The tightest of the games this weekend: Offaly by 1

Tipperary (77.98, at home) vs Cork (90.70)
A tough game for Tipperary but games that they need to target if they are to progress. They have a wealth of underage talent (even if some of it is not available) while Cork are going through a lull period at the moment. Still, it's hard to envisage an upset here. Cork by 5

Kerry (102.98, at home) vs Clare (82.92)
The last of the provincial champions to enter the fray, the story of Kerry's demise seems to have been somewhat exaggerated. They are probably the second best team in the country and are hoping to keep their championship going long into September. Clare will have more modest targets. Prediction: Kerry by 10

Donegal (93.04, at home) vs Fermanagh (84.43)
I'm looking forward to see what Donegal have to offer this year. They have some serious talent and seem to want to make the most of this period. Fermanagh had an excellent run in last year's championship and won't be too fazed here. Nevertheless, Donegal's team play and overall talent should win through. Donegal by 5

Thats the Cork team going through a lull while Tipp have a wealth of underage talent?? Would be surprised if Cork didnt win this by more than 5

CrabRevolution

I'd agree there, Tipp seem to be like Ulster in the Rugby, they have been "up and coming" for 5 or 6 years at this stage. At what stage will they finally reach their best? While they've certainly solidified themselves as a good mid ranking team, overtaking the likes of Longford or Louth, I think people are a bit too optimistic for them.

Jayop

My call for an upset us fermanagh beating Donegal.