Laois also have a crucial contest with Antrim, and Offaly make the trip to Wexford.
Joe Fortune is expected to welcome back a couple of key players as Westmeath look to cement their place at the top of Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League.
Davy Glennon is chief among those who will be expected to slot staright back into the starting XV once available.
The Lake County welcome Down to TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar on Sunday and Fortune had this update on his injury list:
Elsewhere this weekend, Offaly make the trip to Wexford as they continue to fight relegation back to the second tier.
While Laois face a crucial contest with Antrim, knowing it's likely the loser will be confined to a relegation playoff against the Faithful in a matter of weeks.