Dublin have lorded Leinster of late and a 60th provincial title, an 11th in a row, appears a foregone conclusion despite a less than impressive path to the decider.
Dublin’s second-half struggles against Meath has seen them usurped as All-Ireland favourites by Munster champions Kerry following their romp over Cork, but expect a massive statement of intent from Dessie Farrell’s charges in the Leinster decider.
Kildare Far From Convincing
It’s not so much that Dublin are fancied to return to their 2020 form or anything like that, it’s that Kildare have looked lethargic for long periods against both Offaly and Westmeath and were arguably lucky to escape unscathed from their provincial semi-final.
Westmeath had the Lilywhites on the back foot for long periods and, while Kildare beat Meath in the Division 2 semi-final, I actually think the Royals are a better side at present.
To add to the mammoth task facing Kildare, Kevin Feely has failed a late fitness test and hasn’t managed to make Jack O’Connor’s starting 15.
The Athy clubman suffered a nasty knee injury in the two-point win over Westmeath and it will keep him out of what is only his side’s fifth appearance in the Leinster final since 2000.
Missing Trio Dent Dubs Defence
Dublin are missing some key men as well. Jack McCaffrey‘s decision to step away remains a blow, while John Small’s absence can never be underestimated in the half-back line.
Also absent, Eoin Murchan can break through lines and turn defence into attack in an instant, so there are holes appearing in the Dubs rearguard unit in the absence of that trio.
It could stop Dublin winning Sam again but it won’t stop them adding another Leinster title. In fact, it should be far more straightforward than the handicap suggests.
If Kildare don’t get goals it is hard to see them keeping in touch. They lack penetration up front and they won’t get as much possession as they have been doing of late.
Ciaran Kilkenny, Con O’Callaghan, Brian Howard and Cormac Costello are all performing as well as ever and a double-digit Dublin win looks highly likely.
No Let-up From Dublin
Don’t forget they built up a huge half-time lead against Meath before taking their foot off the throttle. Don’t expect that to happen here.
Dean Rock was substituted in the win over Meath after looking sluggish, but that outing should bring him on and he remains an outstanding inside forward.
O’Callaghan and Kilkenny are the deadly duo who have unlocked defences time and time again over the years and once they are firing on all cylinders it is going to take an incredible effort to end Dublin’s long unbeaten run.
It is certainly hard to see that happening here and the best bet on the coupon is undoubtedly for Dublin to defy a nine-point handicap.