The head-to-head rule will be used to separate two teams who finish on the same number of points, while score difference will be used should three teams end up on the same tally.
Here we look at what your county needs from a bumper weekend of football action.
All-Ireland SFC Group 1
Derry
How has it come to this? The league champions, and just a couple of months ago for many the team best placed to relieve Dublin of their All-Ireland crown, are fighting for their championship lives at the last 16 stage.
The scenario is simple for Derry and Mickey Harte. Win and they will survive, at least until next weekend’s preliminary quarter-finals. Lose and it’s all over. A draw won’t be enough for them as Westmeath have a superior score difference.
Westmeath
Westmeath are back in familiar territory. They went into last year’s final round with a chance of progress and would have advanced at the expense of Tyrone had a late John Heslin free fallen the right side of the post.
They can count themselves unlucky not to have gotten something from Galway and it won’t be lost on them that Derry have conceded 9-42 in three games. A draw is enough for them to progress.
Galway
Involved in a straight shootout for top spot with Armagh and will surely be mindful that last year only a missed Shane Walsh free late in the day prevented them from topping the group. They were sent through the back door and lost to Mayo next time out.
Armagh
They have rebounded well from yet more penalty heartache and, given their superior score difference, a draw will be enough for them to top the group. Incidentally, Armagh were the only side to win their group last year and not win their All-Ireland quarter-final.
All-Ireland SFC Group 2
Dublin
The champions look to be moving with maximum efficiency and can top the group with a draw against old enemies Mayo. Defeat would see them lose out on the head-to-head rule.
Mayo
Last year Mayo went through the back door and by the time they emerged into the All-Ireland quarter-finals, they were swatted aside by Dublin. A win would give them top spot and a huge boost.
Roscommon
A draw with Cavan will see them secure third in the group.
Cavan
Need to beat Roscommon to remain in the championship.
All-Ireland SFC Group 3
Tyrone
If Clare don’t beat Donegal Tyrone are assured of progress, but Brian Dooher and Co may have their eye on a bigger prize. They could force their way into top spot if they can topple Cork which would see them join the Rebels on four points. Should Donegal beat Clare, top spot would come down to score difference. However, the head-to-head rule could see them move ahead of Cork should Donegal fail to beat the Banner.
Cork
John Cleary’s men have already secured progress to the knockout stages. Avoiding defeat against Tyrone will be enough to see them take top spot. Lose to Tyrone and their score difference might see them fall to third. Fine margins.
Donegal
Despite defeat to Cork, they are still in a healthy situation with a draw guaranteeing progress. Win and they could still top the group but they’d also need Tyrone to topple Cork and hope score difference would do the rest.
Clare
Clare are still alive. Just. They need to beat Donegal and for Tyrone to either draw with or beat Cork to see them pip on Jim McGuinness’s men.
All-Ireland SFC Group 4
Monaghan
It’s been a difficult year but rescued a draw against Louth and a similar result against Meath sees them progress.
Meath
Little impact from the Tailteann Cup champions but they remain alive in the race for Sam. Beat Monaghan and they’ll be through.
Louth
Can still top the group with a win against Kerry, but are assured of progress in any case.
Kerry
Could still miss out on top spot by losing to Louth but a draw will be enough to earn a weekend off and a quarter-final in Croke Park.
