Two weeks ago Dublin and Mayo faced off in a breathless, and at times very odd, All-Ireland Football Final.
Despite the Dubs being hot favourites, the men from the west put in a superhuman effort, but could only manage to salvage a draw, with the last kick of the game from Cillian O’Connor.
This evening the two teams will go back to the well one more time in order to decide who are the kings of Ireland.
It’s a big statement to make, but here’s why we think Dublin will be lifting Sam Maguire by the end of the game…
1) Mayo missed the boat?
This Dublin team have been pretty much impeccable in the last two years, and two Sundays ago was as close to an off day as they’ve had since being beaten by Donegal in 2014.
And they still managed to get a second day out. What are the chances they’ll have a stinker again?
2) Brian Fenton
A player of the year contender, Fenton’s rangy long runs from midfield caused Mayo serious problems the last day on an off-day for their forwards.
3) The curse
The myth about the Mayo team being under a curse until the last member of their previous Sam-winning team dies is getting harder and harder to ignore.
When have we ever seen two own goals in the same game? Cue X-Files theme track…
Something is telling me the curse is about to be broken today #Mayo to win #AllIrelandFinal #DUBvMAYO
— Cathal McCarron (@mc_carron1) October 1, 2016
4) Jim Gavin
Dublin’s former army chief manager is a journalist’s worst nightmare, but he has his team in excellent mental and physical condition, and he will have it drilled into his team that they are not to lose this game.
5) Diarmuid Connolly
Although well shackled by Lee Keegan in the first game, Connolly is still well capable of producing a big moment when it’s called for.
6) Their defence
Dublin’s back six are as strong as anything in the country.
Mayo did score quite a few points last week but never really got in range of a goal. The likes of Johnny Cooper and Cian O’Sullivan keep things watertight back there.
7) Stephen Cluxton
The best goalkeeper of all time, surely. He is such an asset for Dublin when it comes to starting attacks, and not a bad shot-stopper when it comes to it either.
I wouldn’t be expecting a rousing speech if he were to lead them to victory though.
8) The weather
The difficult conditions definitely suited Mayo’s war of attrition the last day, but with the rain likely to stay away tomorrow, will they able to stop Dublin’s slick running game?
Think we’re wrong?
Let us know in the comments below…
READ NEXT: Here Are Some Of The Cheapest Properties On Sale In Ireland Right Now
Topics:
RELATED ARTICLES
MORE FROM Lovin
MORE FROM Lovin
