12 months ago 14-man Westmeath came from six points down to pull off a surprise 0-14 to 0-12 victory over Antrim in the Leinster SHC preliminary round.

Antrim will be bidding to redress the balance when the two counties renew acquaintances in Mullingar this Sunday.

It will be Kevin Ryan's first championship game in charge of the Saffrons and the Waterford native is on the record as saying he won't be taking Westmeath for granted.

Antrim preserved their Division 1B status courtesy of a relegation play-off victory over Carlow while the midlanders lost out to Laois in the Division 2A decider.

The northern county will enter this weekend's tie in a more positive frame of mind but it is worth pointing out that the team in maroon and white have won five of their last six outings.

Westmeath manager Brian Hanley wasn't happy with his side's performance against Laois and he will demand a better showing on Sunday.

He will, however, have to plan without the services of Philip Gilsenan (cruciate ligament) and Anthony Price (back). Hanley will look to Derek McNicholas and Niall O'Brien to provide their main scoring threat.

Simon McCrory, Collie McFall and Paul Shiels are injury concerns for Antrim who have lost the likes of Liam Watson, Michael Herron, Brian McFall and Darren Hamill from last year.

After the managerial upheaval of last year, Antrim supporters are looking forward to this year with renewed optimism.

The prize on offer for the winners is a round 1 clash against Laois and Antrim are expected to exact revenge for last year's defeat.

Verdict: Antrim

Westmeath - TBC

Antrim - Ryan Mc Garry; Barry McFall, Arron Graffin, Mark McFadden; Conor McKinley, Neal McAuley, Jackson McGreevey; Mathew Donnelly, Tony McCloskey; Paul Shiels, Neil Mc Manus, Eddie McCloskey; Shane McNaughton, Conor Carson, Stephen Beatty.

Odds: Antrim 11/4, Draw 11/1, Westmeath 3/10

Match Details:Cusack Park, 3pm, Sunday, May 5th Tweet

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