It's a game that has come much earlier than anticipated for both teams. After Meath were knocked out in the first round by Kieran McGeeney's Lilywhites, some Louth supporters thought that a potential match with Meath would not materialise this year, as many envisioned Louth making the Leinster Final, before the campaign got started.

That did not happen as we all know, as Peter Fitzpatrick's side bowed out against Carlow in O'Moore Park just a little under two weeks ago.

It was disappointing to say the least, but the news of a clash with Meath has certainly lifted spirits throughout the county.

Whilst the majority of followers see it as a revenge mission, Peter Fitzpatrick and his team have nailed their colours to the mast early, citing that the game represents a chance to get into the hat for the second round of the qualifiers and nothing else.

It is a admirable approach and a message that the players certainly need to heed if they are to stand a chance of overcoming the Royals.

Playing with too much heart and emotion can sometimes lead to a team pressing the self-destruct button so a disciplined approach is vital if the players are to continue wearing the Louth shirts for the rest of the summer.

Against Wexford earlier this year in the Allianz League Division Three, Peter Fitzpatrick was going into the game knowing that he was on the verge of being elected as a TD for Louth. Showing his future skills as a politician, Fitzpatrick threw a curveball that weekend, naming a much changed side on the day than what was listed in the programme.

Perhaps Fitzpatrick will do that this Saturday night against Meath, but if you are to go by the team that was announced, it represents a second chance for these players, a chance for redemption after they failed to overcome Carlow in O'Moore Park as Fitzpatrick has announced just one change to the side that faced the Barrowsiders.

After making a dramatic return home from his trip around the globe, Mick Fanning was catapulted straight into the starting 15 against Carlow, but looks like he could miss out after suffering a knock. With that in mind, the only change from the Carlow game is that Stephen Fitzpatrick will replace Fanning, with Liam Shevlin moving into centre half back and Ray Finnegan on the other flank.

If that is the case, Shevlin will have the job that every Louth player would most likely relish, marking Joe Sheridan, who scored the controversial goal last year.

Fitzpatrick has once again gone for Sean Connor in goals who has impressed in big games this year, in both the league and O'Byrne Cup.

In front of Connor is Declan Byrne, Aaron Hoey and Dessie Finnegan, all of whom had a shaky time against Carlow, due to the amount of pressure they had to deal with from an on form Carlow forward line.

Keenan and Donnelly will form Louth's midfield, with a big performance expected from both if Louth are expected to come out with the result.

Mark Brennan is still a major absence on the forty and after failing to make the desired impact against Carlow, David Reid will look to make amends this time, where he will be flanked by Adrian Reid and Derek Crilly.

Up top, Fitzpatrick is going for a blend of youth and experience as JP Rooney will once again get a crack at the Royals, where he will partner Shane Lennon and Derek Maguire. Rooney's goal in the final last year would have been fitting to win any final, but it was not to be. Knowing that time is running out in his inter-county career, Rooney would love nothing more than to rattle the net once more against Louth's rivals. Rooney will be flanked by Shane Lennon and Derek Maguire.

John O'Brien, who has also returned from America was granted clearance for the game and if Fitzpatrick is expected to drop a bombshell on Saturday night, it will be O'Brien's inclusion in the team. Along with this, some still expect Andy McDonnell and Ronan Carroll to walk out in the starting 15 after both made an impact as half time substitutes in the Carlow game.

Declan Byrne, Aaron Hoey, Dessie Finnegan, Ray Finnegan, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Paddy Keenan, Adrian Reid, Shane Lennon and JP Rooney were all on the Croke Park surface last year when the disastrous decision cost Louth a Leinster title, whilst many more in the starting line up were on the bench or in the stands watching in horror.

If there is any need for extra inspiration against Meath, then all they have to do is look into the darkest part of their minds and conjure up the numbness they were left with last year in the moments after the final whistle.

As Fitzpatrick and the players have said though, it's not about revenge as a win will not see Louth awarded the Delaney Cup, but a win will finally banish the demons of last year and more importantly than that, book Louth a place into the next round of the All-Ireland qualifiers. Who knows, a win against Meath could propel Louth to unpredented heights this summer? But they have to take it one step at a time.