Paul Flynn's football championship predictions

First up it's Derry v Monaghan in Healy Park. I covered the Monaghan v Tyrone game in Healy Park a couple of weeks back and I was really impressed with, not just the performance from Monaghan but also the character they showed to grind out the victory in the second-half.

Derry were exceptional against Fermanagh, scoring 3-17, but they’ve been leaking goals and I still can’t get the league final loss out of my head.

I think it’s going to be a tight, tight affair and we may need extra-time to decide this one. If we do, I think Monaghan will edge this one with the strength of their panel.

Both Armagh and Down put-up really impressive performances against Cavan and Donegal respectively.

Armagh will come into this game reenergised, McGeeney has reenergised them since their disappointing relegation from Division One.

Conor Turbitt and Shane McPartlan are showing really well and driving them on. We have Rian O’Neill to come into back the fold. He’s named on the bench but he may start and Jarley Og is starting.

So with those guys coming back, although Conor Laverty has really reenergised Down and they’re on an upward trend as well, I think this one will go to Armagh.

On Sunday we have a double header in Croke Park and I’m really looking forward to two good games, starting off with Offaly against Louth.

Martin Murphy has done a fine job galvanising the Offaly lads and the players have to take a lot of credit for what they’ve been able to do in the last two wins against Longford and Meath in the wake of what’s been a traumatising couple of months with the unfortunate and very sad loss of Liam Kearns.

In the first-half display against Meath they were absolutely brilliant with Nigel Dunne, Dylan Hyland and Rory Egan all key.

In the