Cavan and Monaghan meet in the Ulster championship on April 19th.
However, both may have already been relegated by the time the Ulster championship comes around. Just one win has been recorded between both sides in the opening 10 games.
We take a look at what Monaghan and Cavan need to do to stay up and how likely is it?
Monaghan
The farney are bottom of division one with no points from five games. Two matches remain against Galway and Donegal. Both are home games, an advantage for Gabriel Bannigan’s side.
However, Galway find themselves in a relegation battle also with just four points from their opening five games. The meeting on March 15 in Inniskeen is as much a must win for Padraig Joyce’s side as it is for Monaghan.
The table doesn’t lie. Monaghan are bottom with no points, the worst points scored total and the worst points conceded total. Sunday’s defeat to Kerry was a collapse in the second-half.
Things aren’t good for Bannigan’s outfit and no mistakes can be made. A win over Galway must be followed by a win over Donegal and that still may not be enough.
Prediction: I’m afraid there is no way back, Monaghan to be relegated.
Cavan
While relegation is predicted for Monaghan, things look much worse for Cavan.
Monaghan are a newly promoted team. Whereas, Cavan have looked out of their depth in division two this year.
The win over Kildare gave Dermot McCabe a chance to build some momentum. However, the mood was sucked out of the Breffni Park air pretty immediately against Louth.
Louth led by 15-points at half-time and never gave Cavan so much as a look in.
The Breffni men face Offaly next in Tullamore a game they are expected to win. A win would bring Cavan to four points. However, Cavan’s form thus far has made nothing certain.
Indeed, McCabe’s side round out their league campaign away to Derry. Derry are currently locked in a three-way for the top with Meath and Cork.
Derry’s next opponent is Louth. A win for Louth would see them draw level with Derry on points. The worst scenario for Cavan.
Still a lot to play for and one fears, too many things need to go right for Cavan.
Prediction: Cavan to play division three football in 2027.
