St Patrick’s Shane Dowling and Blackhall Gaels Charlie Staunton will be hoping to pick up wins in the IFC next weekend.

Knockout spots up for grabs

While some sides are just one game into their respective championship campaigns it is hard to believe that Clann na nGael and St Patrick's will play their final game of the group stages of the IFC with massive results need if they're to sustain their involvement.

The two five team groups in the IFC started earlier in the summer and some sides still have two games to play, but already the qualification picture is very clear for a number of sides.

Kilmainham v St Patrick's: There are all sorts of scenarios still up in the air in Group C, but a St Patrick's win over Kilmainham at Walterstown on Sunday (12pm) will put the Stamullen men in with a strong shout of a place in the knockout stages. St Pat's won't want to get too far ahead of themselves and their focus is on a Kilmainham side that have struggled. The formbook shows St Patrick's easily defeated Bective and Bective had seven points to spare over Kilmainham, so it's hard to look beyond a St Patrick's win. Verdict - St Patrick's.

Dunshaughlin v Blackhall Gaels: Blackhall Gaels need a miracle to reach the knockout stages and any ambitious hopes or dreams of such advances will be ended by Dunshaughlin at Moynalvey on Saturday (6pm). The Gaels will be focused on their final group game against Kilmainham, but for now they can expect another loss. Verdict - Dunshaughlin.

Meath Hill v Duleek/Bellewstown: Duleek/Bellewstown could, and most likely should, wrap up their place in the quarter-finals with victory over Meath Hill at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday (2pm). Meath Hill are pointless after their two games and that doesn't look like improving after Sunday. Verdict - Duleek/Bellewstown.

Rathkenny v Clann na nGael: This is a key game for Rathkenny at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday (3.45pm). Victory over Clann na nGael will book their place in the last eight and while Clann na nGael can drag themselves into contention with a win it is hard to see them stopping the unbeaten Rathkenny men. Verdict - Rathkenny.

Longwood v Nobber: Not many would have envisaged that both these sides would have won their respective opening games, but that's exactly what happened and now one of Longwood and Nobber stands on the verge of a place in the last eight with a win in Bective on Saturday (6.30pm). Sean Meade was simply outstanding as Nobber stunned Dunderry, while Longwood produced a sensational display to blow away an ambitious Drumbaragh. Nobber's win was arguably the more impressive and if they can produce a repeat display then they should edge out Longwood, but it will be tight. Verdict - Nobber.

Dunderry v Drumbaragh: Dunderry simply cannot afford any more slip ups if they hope to achieve IFC glory. It is knockout football for them from here on in and they should be too strong for Drumbaragh in Carnaross on Sunday at 1pm. Verdict - Dunderry.

St Vincent's v Oldcastle: Massive, massive, massive game for both sides. Last year's IFC finalists Oldcastle stand on the verge of elimination already, while St Vincent's will be hoping to avoid the drop straight back down to junior when the two sides meet at Trim on Sunday (2.30pm). A victory here could spark a late title challenge and while a loss doesn't necessarily mean relegation it would be a huge blow. Oldcastle should have enough experience at this level to grab the crucial win. Verdict - Oldcastle.

Walterstown v St Michael's: A place in the knockout stages awaits the winner of this test in Kells at 3.30pm on Sunday. Walterstown were excellent when holding off Oldcastle in round one and while St Michael's were equally good against St Vincent's this might be considered a step up in quality and Walterstown might just have the edge. Verdict - Walterstown.