Kerry will need to win midfield and get 1 on 1s with our full back line.
Couple of selection dilemmas for Gavin:
O'Sullivan v Macauley
- Cian always plays really well against his parents' county. Looked sharp when he came on on Saturday. MDMA was his usual mix of power and unorthodoxy with that little bit of recklessness thrown in. Saw stats that said he had more possessions than any other Dub in the first half, and I did think at the time he was doing more than most to keep us in the contest at that time. We'll be weaker in the air if McCarthy starts midfield with Cian at 6, which might help give Kerry a foothold. But Cian will give a bit of added protection to the full back line and we'll have the wrecking ball as an impact sub.
Byrne v Fitzsimons v McMahon v Murchan (2 from 4)
- Most would rate Byrne 4th out of these, but formwise he's been the best this championship, and he doubled down on that on Saturday. Possibly his best game in a Dubs jersey. Fitz got a bit of a run around for a while v Carr (I was wondering for a while whether there was a deliberate policy to let them shoot rather than risk giving COC frees, but I don't think so!). Philly's a proven performer in All Ireland finals (and his chances of playing would increase if Tommy Walsh was starting), while Murchan might just be the ideal man to shackle Stephen O'Brien. My guess is he'll stick with Byrne and Fitz, but it could be any 2.
I'd say Rory and Berno will be doing all they can over the next 2 weeks to try force themselves into the 26, but difficult to see any openings.
As a neutral Hound, I would keep McAuley in midfield as I think he will really trouble any of the Kerry midfielders with his physicality in the engine room and his direct running could carve open Kerry down the center of their defence.
Byrne has done excellent since coming into the team so I would give him the nod as well and Murchan could be an option off the bench quieten somebody like O'Brine if needed.
I would be tempted to start McMahon as he is a very crafty defender and he can get forward bringing his man with him at the right time.
If Brogan is fully fit I would definitely have him and Connolly on the bench to bring on for the last 15 mins when the Kerry backs are beginning to wane.