Allianz Football League: How things stand with two rounds of matches left
- Published
Derry are flying under new manager Mickey Harte
Five down, two to go.
It's that time of year where things start to heat up in the Allianz Football League across all four divisions, with two of the seven rounds of fixtures remaining.
All nine Ulster counties have something to play for - whether that is relegation, promotion or even to become the best team in the land.
BBC Sport takes a look at how things stand as we get to the business end of proceedings.
Division One
Monaghan have made a habit of pulling off the impossible when it comes to Division One safety, but the 2024 campaign may prove to be a stretch too far.
If they are to repeat their 2023 heroics then beating Tyrone on Saturday will give them a good platform as the Red Hands look to avoid getting dragged into trouble.
Tyrone face a difficult trip to All-Ireland champions Dublin in the final game if they do get sucked into danger, however, Monaghan's negative points difference still makes for worrying reading.
Roscommon are the other side currently occupying the relegation spots and they face tricky final tests against Kerry and Derry.
Derry have been flying under Mickey Harte and the Oak Leafers are one win away from a likely Division One final.
Dublin, Mayo and Kerry are all together on six points and will be aiming to reach the decider. The All-Ireland champions hold the edge on points difference but it's wide open.
On five points, you can't rule out Galway at either end with two matches remaining, which adds further intrigue.
Remaining fixtures
Round six: Galway v Dublin, Tyrone v Monaghan, Roscommon v Kerry, Mayo v Derry
Round seven: Kerry v Galway, Monaghan v Mayo, Derry v Roscommon, Dublin v Tyrone
Division Two
There's a trio of Ulster teams stacked at the top of Division Two as they look to earn promotion to the top tier.
Donegal have returned to form under the returning Jim McGuinness and lead the way over rivals Armagh. The only points the two sides have dropped was when they met each other in a fierce draw in February.
A win for either side in their penultimate fixtures would lock down a promotion place.
Cavan are still firmly in the hunt in third place but will need to defeat Armagh on Saturday to keep their promotion hopes alive. Regardless, it's been a strong first campaign under Raymond Galligan for the Breffni County.
Meath can also scrape into the top two but will need other results to go their way.
At the bottom end of Division Two, Kildare look to be in trouble and are winless in five matches. They need to win both matches to stay up, which will be a difficult task with Donegal to come.
Cork, Fermanagh and Louth are set to battle in out to avoid the remaining relegation spot, with the game between the latter two teams on Sunday set to play a pivotal role in the final standings.
Remaining fixtures
Round six: Armagh v Cavan, Kildare v Donegal, Louth v Fermanagh, Meath v Cork
Round seven: Kildare v Louth, Donegal v Meath, Cork v Armagh, Cavan v Fermanagh
Division Three
Another division and another Ulster side leading the way with Down sitting top after five wins from five.
They join Westmeath on a perfect 10 points, although something will have to give as they face off in their penultimate match on Sunday.
The winner will secure a spot in Division Two for 2025, but defeat will open the door for the chasing pack - currently led by Clare, who Down face on the final day.
Sligo can still squeeze into the promotion places but will need two big wins over Offaly and Westmeath to scrape in.
At the other end, Offaly, Limerick and Wicklow are in a three-way scrap for relegation - however, the former's sole win over Wicklow could be crucial, along with their superior points difference.
Antrim should be safe on four points but will want a positive result against Clare to avoid any final-day nerves when they take on Oisin McConville's Wicklow.
Remaining fixtures
Round six: Wicklow v Limerick, Clare v Antrim, Sligo v Offaly, Westmeath v Down
Round seven: Sligo v Westmeath, Offaly v Limerick, Down v Clare, Antrim v Wicklow
Division Four
Division Four may be the lowest of the leagues but it's the tightest of the lot.
Laois are as good as promoted after winning their five matches to date, but the race behind for the second promotion spot is quite something with five teams in the hunt.
Leitrim, Wexford and Longford are not only level on points, but also right together through scoring difference. Carlow's minus seven difference has them bottom of that quartet, while Tipperary can still sneak in with two strong performances in their remaining matches.
No matter what happens this coming weekend, we're set to go down to the final day. In that case, the fact Carlow are playing lowly London may come into their favour as the teams above them scrap it out.
It really is all to play for.
Remaining fixtures
Round six: London v Waterford, Laois v Leitrim, Tipperary v Wexford, Longford v Carlow.
Round seven: Wexford v Longford, Leitrim v Tipperary, Carlow v London, Waterford v Laois