It is semi-final time in the All-Ireland SFC and there promises to be two enthralling last-four ties this weekend.
The All-Ireland SFC semi-finals are the headline acts this weekend for GAA fans as Croke Park hosts Kerry and Tyrone as well as Donegal and Meath in two mouthwatering tussles.
Kerry and Tyrone are in the Saturday evening slot (5pm), while on Sunday afternoon (4pm), Ulster champions Donegal tackle surprise package Meath for a spot in the All-Ireland Final.
Our expert has picked out his best bets for the All-Ireland semi-finals at Croke Park.
Selections
Kingdom can suppress Red Hands
Tyrone’s journey to the last four has been turbulent at times. Their statement win over Donegal in the round robin was followed by a turgid home loss against Mayo. Their quarter-final win over Dublin was aided by some wayward shooting from the opposition and a seven-point margin flattered Tyrone.
Kerry, too, have charted some troubled waters to get here, needing extra-time to overcome Cork in Munster and then taking a beating off Meath in the round robin.
Jack O’Connor’s side turned on the style as they dethroned Armagh a fortnight ago, scoring 13 unanswered points in the second half to send the All-Ireland champions packing.
The big question for Kerry now is, can that 15-minute blitz be repeated? They were five points down when the turbo kicked in and, so far, it has been the only fleeting glimpse of the Kingdom in full flow.
With Sean O’Shea and the Clifford brothers seemingly hitting their grooves, Kerry should be too strong for a Tyrone side facing its toughest test so far.
Kerry are a fair price at around 8/15 but it could be worth taking them to win decisively.
Donegal to end the Royals march
Meath have been the surprise package of the summer and nobody will be underestimating Robbie Brennan’s side after wins over Dublin, Kerry and Galway in Championship action.
They now face a Donegal side that will be fully prepped for them. Jim McGuinness is meticulous in assessing the variables of each challenge his side encounters.
Donegal’s strong running game, enforced by the likes of Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Moore, Ryan McHugh and Finbarr Roarty from deep, is going to take Meath to places they haven’t been before.
Galway were passive in their approach against Meath for long spells. They were shunted into action when the game was getting away from them but the early setup was too costly for the Tribesmen.
Donegal are sure to have learned from that. They won’t allow Meath a chance to settle. The Ulster champions aren’t renowned for goalscoring in McGuinness’ second coming as manager.
The new rules allow for greater accumulation of scoring but it would still rank as a shock if this contest goes over the 47.5 point marker.
Donegal’s games against Tyrone, Mayo and Louth have all come in well under that tally, as did Meath’s quarter-final win over Galway despite an absolute flurry of scoring in the final quarter of the contest.
The Kerry/Donegal double for the All-Ireland semi-finals comes in at just under even-money and looks to hold strong appeal.
