Kerry to take Cork in Munster SFC final replay, predicts Peter Canavan

Kerry will bring an intensity and energy to the replay that was absent in their drawn Munster SFC final against Cork says Peter Canavan...

There were no major shocks on what was a busy weekend in the football championship, with the exception of Armagh’s defeat to Galway in the Athletic Grounds.

There were two aspects of this game which came as a surprise to me. Firstly, the extent of the lead Galway built. I thought Armagh would have put up a much better show and it was a pretty feeble exit from the Championship for Kieran McGeeney’s men.

Secondly, Galway have been labelled a nice team in recent years, whereby they had skilful footballers but couldn’t grind out a result. Well, I think we can start to look differently at this team.

There were signs against Mayo that Galway were prepared to stand up physically and once again this was evident against Armagh. When it came to closing out the game, Galway weren’t concerned about the manner in which they achieved that.

This ruthless streak will again be required in Salthill on Saturday when they face an improving Derry side. Judging by their win over Wexford, Cailean O’Boyle and Eoin Bradley seem to be forming an effective partnership up front. If Galway can curb that duo’s influence they will be well placed to progress.

The Tribesmen have a strong midfield partnership in Fiontán Ó Curraoin and Thomas Flynn, and the likes of Gary Sice, Michael Lundy and Damien Comer are really starting to blossom. It will be a close game against Derry but they look poised to take their second Ulster scalp in just seven days.

One would have expected Armagh to show the never-say-die attitude that was evident in Fermanagh’s win over Roscommon. Whereas Galway displayed cuteness in the closing stages, Roscommon were not able to withstand the Fermanagh onslaught.

Fighting spirit

If Fermanagh can replicate this fighting spirit they stand a great chance of making it through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals. They may be lacking in some areas but they make up for it in honesty and in working hard for each other, which was evident in the closing stages against Roscommon.

All of the other Qualifiers went as expected, as did the Leinster final. Despite playing well below their best and committing a high number of unforced errors, Dublin still beat Westmeath by 13 points. There is so much more in this Dublin team and I expect to see that from now on.

Kerry and Cork - Take 2

I may have tipped Cork two weeks ago but I firmly believe we will see a highly energised and focused Kerry outfit on Saturday night. Last year’s successful template was based on high work rate and aggression around the middle third, which was absent in the drawn game.

I don’t expect to see Cork winning as much possession in midfield on their second visit to Killarney. They won’t be given as much time on the ball and as a result, Kerry’s defence will not be as easily penetrated.

I also feel Kerry still have greater options off the bench in every area, and Eamonn Fitzmaurice will have relayed this message to his starting 15 come Saturday.

Mayo chase down Five-in-a-row

In Connacht, many are predicting an easy win for Mayo, but having witnessed Sligo close-hand against Roscommon, I don’t expect them to have it all their own way.

I was very impressed by the way Niall Carew has turned this Sligo team around. They are motivated, well organised, and in Pat Hughes, David Kelly and Adrian Marren they have a triangle of forwards who are capable of causing damage.

What’s crucial for Sligo is whether they can curb the influence of the powerful Aidan O’Shea. He caused all sorts of problems against Galway and I expect Mayo to continue with the tactic of deploying him of edge of the square.

A fifth successive Connacht title will rank as a serious achievement for Mayo, and while Sligo might match them for hunger and work rate, Mayo’s greater experience will see them through.

Ulster foes

In Clones, the two strongest teams in Ulster will once again do battle. This is the third final in a row between Monaghan and Donegal and I don’t expect them to disappoint. These sides are similar in so many ways – they have excellent goalkeepers, accurate free-takers, both implement a solid defensive structure, and they are both managed by Fermanagh men.

I expect a very physical, low-scoring affair where both defences dominate, but I feel Monaghan have more potential to improve on the games they’ve played so far. Malachy O’Rourke will have had his team primed to peak in the Ulster final, which is something they’ll have targeted from the start of the year. And they would have expected Donegal to be standing between them and a second Ulster title in three years.

Donegal have had to play three tough games just to get to Sunday’s decider. We’ve already witnessed them playing at a high level. Monaghan need to improve but I think they have the capability to do so. They also have a stronger bench, which they have used very wisely in their previous two games. The players introduced have made a difference, both in terms of the scoreboard and their style of play. I don’t believe Donegal have this luxury at present.

The final string in Monaghan’s bow is that when a game is tight and both teams are employing packed defences, they have more players who are capable of kicking scores from long range.

I don’t expect to see Cork winning as much possession in midfield on their second visit to Killarney. They won’t be given as much time on the ball and as a result, Kerry’s defence will not be as easily penetrated.

The Sky Sports cameras will be in Thurles on Saturday to see a repeat of this year’s All-Ireland U21 final as Tipperary host Tyrone. Some of the finest underage talent in the country will be in action, and watching the likes of Mark Bradley and Colin O’Riordan will be worth the admission fee alone.

Tipperary will certainly be up for this match. They’ll feel they left an U21 title behind them in May and have a fantastic opportunity to get one over Tyrone. Tipp have the players up front to cause Tyrone problems, and Tyrone need to improve on their last two performances if they are to get out of Semple Stadium with the victory.

But similar to Monaghan and Kerry this weekend, Tyrone have a much stronger bench to utilise if things aren’t going their way. This was used to good effect by Mickey Harte against Meath and his changes made a massive difference.

Throughout this year’s National League Tyrone played their best football on the road, and I expect this trend to continue.