Considering they've been beaten emphatically by Kerry at Croke Park three times in the past "ve years, we don't like those odds. They're obviously not without a chance this afternoon, but it would take a peak, once-in-a-season performance to deny Kerry a two-in-a-row, and there's a suspicion that Meath may have already been the victims of that. Kerry will remain patient in the face of an excellent Cork defence, and are patently the best team in the country at taking points from distance. Their goalscoring record against Cork is surprisingly poor, with the Gooch's strike in the Munster final the first green flag raised by Kerry against Cork in five games. Kieran Donaghy's sophomore season has been predictably patchy, with Graham Canty (right) well able to keep him subdued again today until Donaghy's likely switch out the pitch.

There's always the chance of a game-breaking goal, but Cork will do their utmost to prevent this match becoming a shoot-out, and have the defensive quality to do so. Barring another Cork collapse, this will be a tight, low-scoring affair, with a dearth of goals a decent bet.

BACK NEWCASTLE (-1) TO BEAT DERBY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE TOMORROW NIGHT 12-5 Odds quoted are from Paddy Power Newcastle United were shocking on their travels last season, with plenty of value to be had opposing them in away fixtures, even against fellow strugglers. Sam Allardyce hasn't been long fostering a new mindset though, and his side are unbeaten so far this season, steady if not spectacular. Tomorrow night's game against Derby provides a chance for them to cut loose and win well. There's no doubt that Michael Owen is the league's form striker at the moment, and looks capable of "ourishing regardless of who partners him up front.

Charles N'Zogbia is again showing some of his best form and being handed the captaincy seems to have inspired Geremi to "nally show this league what he's capable of. Derby were always expected to struggle, and their 6-0 defeat by Liverpool before the international break can't have helped morale.

After grabbing a creditable draw against Portsmouth on their first day out, they've endured five defeats on the spin, and won't be savouring a week that sees them face Newcastle and then a trip to Arsenal.

Newcastle outright at 10-11 is a tempting offer by itself, but with Owen in such a rich vein of form, a two-goal win or more is worth a pop at 12-5.