Galway v Tyrone
Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan (4.15pm)
Galway haven’t had a competitive game since winning the Connacht title against Mayo almost five weeks ago.
That will be a worry for last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists but Tyrone have been devastated by a cruciate knee ligament curse.
Dearbhla McCallan, Patricia Conroy, Joline Donnelly, Nicola Donnelly and Shannon Quinn have all suffered the dreaded injury in the last six weeks.
Ulster runners-up Tyrone had to work hard against Clare in last weekend’s qualifier and Galway are well placed to take advantage of their vulnerability.
Betting: Galway 1/3 Draw 10/1 Tyrone 5/2
Verdict: Galway
Laois v Monaghan
Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan (6.00pm)
Laois were impressive against Meath in last weekend’s qualifier but they face a very definite step-up in class against Ulster champions Monaghan.
Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney has added a fresh voice to the Monaghan backroom and this is a group of players hellbent on winning the All-Ireland title after big-game disappointments in recent years.
Like Galway, they’ve had a five-week layoff to contend with but Monaghan have kept busy with competitive challenge games.
Laois have championship intensity in the legs but Monaghan have the firepower to put them out and advance to a third successive semi-final.
Betting: Monaghan 1/7 Draw 14/1 Laois 9/2
Verdict: Monaghan
