GAA League Preview: Round Five

We are down to the three remaining rounds of the national league 2023. The final round 8 is drawing ever closer, and teams are desperate to guarantee their safety or promotion. Again, there are some tight games ahead and hard to call, but here are the Top 4 picks of round 5.

Galway v Monaghan

Both teams are sitting mid-table and have had similar starts to this campaign. Galway have had two draws and could be sitting higher, while Monaghan’s home form in Clones has got them to four points. The home advantage is crucial, but coming down to Galway will be a tough task for the Farney men. Although coming out with two wins in the last two games, they will be very confident, but it’s hard to see past Galway at home.
Verdict: Galway

Louth v Kildare

14.00 Louth
Louth have been the surprise package this year and have done well in a very competitive division 2. The collapse of Kildare has been a surprise, especially at home in the fortress of Newbridge. This a must-win game for the Leinster outfit if they are to avoid relegation to Division 3 after a good year last year. They will be coming up and going all out, and this is a do-or-die game, and Kildare has no option but to come out fighting.

Verdict: Kildare

Roscommon v Mayo
A Connacht derby with two teams flying in Division 1. Both teams will be looking to cement a spot in the final with a win. Kevin McStay, back to his old stomping ground, will know it well, and a win will be a massive psychological result when these sides meet again in the championship down the line. Mayo’s intensity and forward power will be sufficient to get over the line, but Roscommon will also play football, and we can expect a free-flowing, high-intensity game.
Verdict: Mayo

Clare vs Cork
An all-Munster affair in Cork this Sunday, the Rebels are on the upward curve, which isn’t represented fully on the table. Cork gave a great display against the Dubs last week and will be looking to build on that against their neighbours. Brian Hurley is leading the line with a relatively young inexperienced team and is in great form. These games are generally tight affairs, but this one has to be Corks to lose and will be looking to climb the ladder of division 2 with a victory.

Verdict: Clare