Aidan O'Shea at full-forward is giving Mayo a new lease of life, that is according to our gaelic football ambassador Diarmuid Connolly.
Last time out they obliterated Donegal in an imperious performance, here's what Connolly had to say about Mayo's form this season and what questions marks they still have to answer as we approach Championship.
“Mayo are really looking strong. They’re not even relying on the guys inside to get all their big scores, it’s all around the middle third – Paddy Durcan was immense, as was Jordan Flynn again and Matthew Ruane kicking balls with the outside of his foot."
"It’s very nice football to watch. Aidan O’Shea at full forward is giving them a new lease of life, he’s such a big man he can hold up the ball and get runners off him."
“They put up a huge score against Donegal and nobody is going to look forward to playing them in a league final - they are the form team at the moment."
“But we did say the same thing about them this time last year. They were flying in the league and they just didn’t get over the line, nor in the All-Ireland series.”
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Donegal on the other hand are already relegated and will be playing their football in Division Two next spring after a terrible campaign this season. Here's what Diarmuid had to say about the upcoming Roscommon v Donegal game:
“Paddy Carr has come in and Donegal made a great start beating Kerry, which was unbelievable for them. But they have not got going at all after that.
“They’re missing a couple of big players, but with their squad depth, It’s a worrying situation at the moment with Donegal. They have to go away to Roscommon who may have lost their last three, but they really put up a fight against Kerry last weekend.”
Click Below For All Our Division One Relegation Odds
Despite an unimpressive campaign, Kerry could still qualify for the league final if they beat Galway and have other results go their way. Diarmuid Connolly gave us his thoughts on what he makes of Kerry's performances so far this season:
“Kerry were 1-06 to 0-02 up against Roscommon and it looked like they were going to run away with it. But in fairness to Roscommon, they really dug in second half. They won the last three of Kerry’s kick outs and they put them under real pressure, there was only one score in it and anything could have happened.
“I’m really not all that impressed by Kerry so far this year. But Jack O’Connor will be quietly happy. He said they were not going for the league, but now they could be in the final.”
Dublin and Louth will go head-to-head this weekend for a spot in that final. Connolly gave us his insight into how things could play out over the next couple of weeks in Division 2.
“Clare just didn’t turn up against Derry. But Derry are such a mean side at the back – they only conceded four over 70 minutes, that’s some defending.
“Dublin went up to Derry and were beaten, but they could have won bar a couple of small mistakes - there was very little in it. They despatched Meath 1-11 to 2-19 and I was very, very impressed. I have a sneaking suspicion Dublin are starting to get fit and they really like Croke Park. So let’s see what Derry can bring in the final.”
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Mayo must back up league form
Mayo have been the form team in Division One of the National Football League this season thanks to their great run of form. They are undefeated in this calendar year and now find themselves qualified for the League final with one round of action to spare.Last time out they obliterated Donegal in an imperious performance, here's what Connolly had to say about Mayo's form this season and what questions marks they still have to answer as we approach Championship.
“Mayo are really looking strong. They’re not even relying on the guys inside to get all their big scores, it’s all around the middle third – Paddy Durcan was immense, as was Jordan Flynn again and Matthew Ruane kicking balls with the outside of his foot."
"It’s very nice football to watch. Aidan O’Shea at full forward is giving them a new lease of life, he’s such a big man he can hold up the ball and get runners off him."
“They put up a huge score against Donegal and nobody is going to look forward to playing them in a league final - they are the form team at the moment."
“But we did say the same thing about them this time last year. They were flying in the league and they just didn’t get over the line, nor in the All-Ireland series.”
Click Below For All Our National League Division One Betting Odds
Rossies can rub salt in Donegal wounds
Roscommon go into the final round of league action in an interesting spot. They are two points behind Galway for second place in the table and therefore can qualify for the Division One final but they would need help from other teams.Donegal on the other hand are already relegated and will be playing their football in Division Two next spring after a terrible campaign this season. Here's what Diarmuid had to say about the upcoming Roscommon v Donegal game:
“Paddy Carr has come in and Donegal made a great start beating Kerry, which was unbelievable for them. But they have not got going at all after that.
“They’re missing a couple of big players, but with their squad depth, It’s a worrying situation at the moment with Donegal. They have to go away to Roscommon who may have lost their last three, but they really put up a fight against Kerry last weekend.”
Click Below For All Our Division One Relegation Odds
Kerry not impressing
Kerry won everything that was available to them in 2022 in what many thought would be the start of a new golden generation for Kerry football. It still could be the next golden generation for Kerry but this season's league campaign has not been impressive by any means.Despite an unimpressive campaign, Kerry could still qualify for the league final if they beat Galway and have other results go their way. Diarmuid Connolly gave us his thoughts on what he makes of Kerry's performances so far this season:
“Kerry were 1-06 to 0-02 up against Roscommon and it looked like they were going to run away with it. But in fairness to Roscommon, they really dug in second half. They won the last three of Kerry’s kick outs and they put them under real pressure, there was only one score in it and anything could have happened.
“I’m really not all that impressed by Kerry so far this year. But Jack O’Connor will be quietly happy. He said they were not going for the league, but now they could be in the final.”
Dublin ready for revenge in Division 2 final
We now know one of the teams that will contest the Division 2 final in a couple weeks time. Derry are qualified for the final with a game to spare and will face either Dublin or Louth in the decider.Dublin and Louth will go head-to-head this weekend for a spot in that final. Connolly gave us his insight into how things could play out over the next couple of weeks in Division 2.
“Clare just didn’t turn up against Derry. But Derry are such a mean side at the back – they only conceded four over 70 minutes, that’s some defending.
“Dublin went up to Derry and were beaten, but they could have won bar a couple of small mistakes - there was very little in it. They despatched Meath 1-11 to 2-19 and I was very, very impressed. I have a sneaking suspicion Dublin are starting to get fit and they really like Croke Park. So let’s see what Derry can bring in the final.”
*Prices subject to fluctuation
Remember, always gamble responsibly. Here’s our Safer Gambling Guide.