Kerry vs Dublin

Dublin's defensive match-ups, Kerry's midfield and options off the bench will be high on the thoughts of both bosses.

Will Jack O’Connor start with Moran again or choose to hold him for the final 20 minutes, when experience and calm heads are required? Jack Barry has tended to do a good job on Brian Fenton since Eamonn Fizmaurice’s days in charge. The most obvious choices are McCarthy and Brian Howard. They can rotate in dropping back as a plus one. It was an impressive showing considering he played no league football and only made late appearances off the bench against Cork and Limerick. Paddy Small has size and power with an accurate left foot, so if he replaces O’Callaghan Dublin need to use his athleticism more. Ciaran Kilkenny, who has been operating at left-half forward so far in the championship, looks like the prime candidate to take up the 11 role and ask questions of Kerry’s system. He gives them a long ball option and provides a very real goal threat. Lee Gannon and Eoin Murchan may pick up Paul Geaney and Paudie Clifford between them. WHEN JACK O’CONNOR returned as manager, one of his first moves was to install Tadhg Morley at centre-back. O’Callaghan is arguable a greater loss to Dublin than David Clifford would be to Kerry. He makes the Dublin attack tick. Morley can’t afford to give Kilkenny the freedom of the park or he’ll kick a handful of scores and dictate the Dublin attack. The issue today is that Dublin will push right up on the Kerry defence and will try to keep Morley occupied so he can’t sit back.