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INPHO/James Crombie

You betcha! Check out the top three wagers of the GAA weekend

Ewan MacKenna pencils in a handy treble ahead of the first real championship weekend of the year.

1. Darren Clarke anytime goalscorer in Louth versus Westmeath: 3/1

It’s going to be high scoring. Peter Fitzpatrick’s are open at the back and they’ll have to create and convert a huge amount of chances if they are to win.

First and foremost they’ll look to Darren Clarke. Since finishing with 1-8 against Meath in their exit last championship, he has top-scored in five of his seven league outings and he goaled against Derry. Westmeath are without their star full-back Kieran Gavin leaving a gaping hole and with Paddy Keenan expected to create space with tackle breaking runs from the middle, it’ll be Clarke that is mostly likely to capitalise on time and room.

2. Roscommon to win either half versus Galway: 8/11

The odds may seem short but they in reality they should be half of that as we think Roscommon will not only win a half, but they’ll win the game outright.

They are at home and while they’ve misfired this league, that’s nothing new. In recent seasons they’ve turned it on when it matters in championship, they have a better midfield than their opponents and in the absence of Pádraic Joyce and Michael Meehan, they also have the forwards to kick on and kick clear. If you are feeling really lucky they are 2-1, also extremely generous, for the outright victory.

3. First scoring play, Donegal point from a placed ball versus Cavan: 7/2

Firstly we know how hard they are to score against which is a good start, as they are the ones likely to trudge up the field and take the lead. Secondly Michael Murphy isn’t there so the chances of a score from open play is greatly reduced. Thirdly Colm McFadden is a decent footballer in the open, but no more, is hugely one footed and no other Donegal player has kicked more than two points from play in a single game all league. It all adds up for a dead ball.

Plenty on the line as west’s awake to Roscommon and Galway

Taking stick: Saffrons to sing as hurling championship opens

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