GAA: What's to play for in this weekend's National League action?

This weekend will see the National Football and Hurling leagues heat up with a lot to play for in both codes.

The final round of the football league throws up some intriguing Division 1 pairings, but there is more of a do-or-die nature in Division 2 where the counties towards the bottom of the table will be looking to avoid relegation to Division 3, and the accompanying entry into the Tailteann Cup.

The new football championship format will be linked to the league, seeing all counties from Division 3 and 4 contest the Tailteann Cup (unless any of these counties qualify for their provincial final), while counties from Division 1 and 2 compete for the Sam Maguire as normal.

This addition means Cork and Offaly's Sunday fixture (throw-in at 2pm, deferred coverage on TG4) carries a bit of added weight as the loser will follow Down to Division 3, and by extension, into the Tailteann Cup.

Lots to be decided this weekend in the Allianz Football League! Take a look below at Sunday's fixtures.https://t.co/ketmuArqFQ pic.twitter.com/KNuedmua0H

— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 24, 2022

If Clare lose against Down on Sunday (throw-in at 2pm) and there is a draw at O'Connor Park, then the second county for relegation will be decided based on scoring difference.

In Division 3, Louth are currently in the top spot, with a win over Wicklow guaranteeing them safe passage to Division 2 next year.

A win for Fermanagh against Limerick and a draw between Antrim and Westmeath (all games throwing-in at 2pm on Sunday) could see the four counties in the running for the second promotion spot, while a loss for Louth would really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

On the other end of the table, Wicklow, Longford and Laois are all at risk of a drop to