Dublin GAA Discussion Thread MOD WARNING POST #2944

PP have us at a 9 point handicap, think it'll be slightly closer but we'll win anyway.

Moneymaker wrote: »

Deck is heavily stacked in our favour considering the conditions and extra time Monaghan had to endure. Be a hell of an ask for them to keep up with us.

I don't mean this to sound cocky but I don't think any team in the country could keep up with Dublin having played in those conditions and extra time a week beforehand. Surely there will be serious tired legs there. A massive disadvantage for any team.

Slattsy wrote: »

At the end of the day these guys have a full week to recover. A week.

A week in work.

And it's 50% recovery, 50% preparation for the game against Dublin. It's not an easy task.

Dubliner28 wrote: »

...........No word on any injuries so cant see many changes. Maybe Jack in for K.Nolan?

Jack Mc started last day, only change I'd see is Johnny Cooper back in for Mick Fitzsimons - he could feel a little hard done by as he had a very good game last time out.

The secret Saturday will be pace from the back, so McCaffrey, Devereux & McCarthy will be the likely starters. The only other change I'd possibly see would be O'Gara in for Mannion, depending if the match up is on Drew Wylie as I think Wylie would be too strong for Mannion at full forward.

Moneymaker wrote: »

I think O'Gara and Mick did enough to keep their places tbh.

So no Cooper then ? ... personally I think Cooper has been brilliant this year, and would be one of the 1st 3 names on my team sheet - his absence wasn't missed last time out against Meath but the lad is class

DoctaDee wrote: »

Jack Mc started last day, only change I'd see is Johnny Cooper back in for Mick Fitzsimons - he could feel a little hard done by as he had a very good game last time out.

The secret Saturday will be pace from the back, so McCaffrey, Devereux & McCarthy will be the likely starters. The only other change I'd possibly see would be O'Gara in for Mannion, depending if the match up is on Drew Wylie as I think Wylie would be too strong for Mannion at full forward.

I'd agree and welcome those two changes, but I have a feeling that MickFitz will play. He had a great game against Meath and might be required for a man marking job. Johnny might have to settle for a place on the bench or possibly replace Jack or Philly, on the basis of limiting the number of attacking backs on the pitch. Just a theory, but we'll see on Saturday.

I very worried about this match, mainly because nobody can see how Monaghan can beat us. That level of confidence in the Dublin team has traditionally backfired. Monaghan should be knackered from the match and extra time last Saturday,their midfielders shouldn't be able to live with our midfielders in terms of movement and possession, the two/three extra backs we have should mean that they find it very difficult to get a score. The most they should get is 1-10 to 1-13. Our forwards are in great form, the bench is the best in the country. yada yada yada.

This weekend has the potential to be an absolute sickener for Dublin. These lads got to their league final and were promoted, they won the Ulster Championship a couple of years ago and reached the final again this year. They are listening to every radio programme and commentator wondering whether they can stay level with Dublin for the first fifteen minutes or for the whole of the first half. They are going to give a huge performance on Saturday.

We need a big performance from each and every player on Saturday. The likes of Connolly and McCarthy need to step up. We are not going to win this match as easily as we beat Meath. It will be tight with fifteen minutes to go. I don't want to be saying I told you so next Monday. I want to be looking forward to a semi final on 31 August (against Armagh:D).

corny wrote: »

Cooper first name on the team sheet for me if fit. However, he had a soft tissue injury so it wouldn't surprise me if they play it safe and he doesn't start this week.

Mikey Fitz or McMahon would be the call if i was naming the team. Fitzsimons is a better man marker and really upped his game against Meath. McMahon offers more out the field. I've been critical of McMahon all season but i thought he had a super game last time out too so he deserves to hold his place.

The options Gavin has are ridiculous when compared to other teams in the country.

Yeah this sorta ties in with Past30Now's post above too. Monaghan last day out were kept in the game 1st half to the main part by McManus' frees. From the comfort of my armchair I'd have to say that Ollie Lyons did a very good job on McManus and thought that some of those frees were easily won. I'll assume that ROC will look after Hughes, so the marking of McManus will require a disclpined effort so that's maybe making a bigger case for Mick Fitz than Philly - couple that with Philly reputation and the fact Marty Duffy is whistling .. I'd play it safe

If he is fit, I think Cooper gets his jersey back no bother. If he had been out for a long time and another player or players really laid down a marker in several games, then yeah, he might have something to worry about. But as he was only out the one game, I imagine he'll get it back. He has been consistently too good a player all year long, not to.

I agree, i think Rock will be absolutely crucial against the puke football that Donegal will play.

Anyone else a bit disappointed by Mannion this year?

Slattsy wrote: »

I agree, i think Rock will be absolutely crucial against the puke football that Donegal will play.

Anyone else a bit disappointed by Mannion this year?

Yeah me too. Looks nervous and unsure of himself in possession of the ball.

This is going to sound very harsh but i was never fully convinced by him, at least not yet (he is very young after all).

For my money Costello is a better player and i'd fancy Rock and Andrews would have a much greater influence on a game against the better teams.

I'd agree with the point made by Corny that Costello offers more,and is a better player. I'd also agree that Mannion hasn't been brilliant thus far this year, but for example in the first half against Meath, any time he received possession, I don't recall him wasting the ball. At no point was he uber dynamic with the ball but he was neat and tidy in possession, and made himself available throughout that half.

The point about the physical strength of Andrews and O'Gara together with the long range shooting of Rock is well made, and you could see Gavin making changes to the forward line on that basis. However it is likely that he will stick with the bulk of the forward line that started against Meath. The Brogans and Flynn are certainties. Both Connolly and Macker are almost as certain. That leaves Mannions place as the last seat at the table available. I don't imagine he'll start Costello as he's still quite young and probably more effective coming on against a tiring defence. O'Gara seems the obvious choice to me but Andrews and Mannion will push him close. Rock didn't play particularly well when he started the game against Wexford and I don't think he'll start.

Mannion hasn't been as good this year as he was last year, but it's completely unfair to suggest that he isn't up to the level.

His goal against Kerry last year, when Dublin had just conceded their second, was arguably the most important score we got in the Championship last season. Had it dropped short and been cleared, it would have been a horrible blow.

He's still looking dangerous this year, getting in position, winning ball. He just needs to be more efficient with his scoring. And when he reaches that potential, good luck to whoever we are playing against.

Yeah probably a dummy team. Makes no sense to move Devereux. Why not just play Cooper at 7.

A Brogan and Kev Mc will probably swap too.

Assuming he does start, pleased for Mickey Fitz.

Agree, cant see Cooper starting at 6. Id say Nicky D to 6 and K.Nolan in @ 7.
Keeping McCafferys pace for the second half as Monaghan legs tire. Get nervous now, not because I think we'll lose just feel it will be closer that everyone thinks,
If its a wet wet day it will even things out and it will be slog fest and could get dirty and scrappy.

Dublin to pull away in the last 15 to win by 7-9