Last year, Mayo humiliated Galway as they cruised to a 17 point victory in Salthill. In Sunday’s Connacht final Mayo are at home in Castlebar yet, with many of the same personnel, the handicap is set at four points. What is going on?
Form
Galway had a comfortable five point win over Sligo, a bogey team for them in recent years, in Markievicz. They showed a maturity their age profile barely suggested possible in their control of the tempo of that clash but, it has to be said, Sligo were putrid on the day. They lacked the appetite needed for championship fare and allowed Galway too much time and space to pick out passes.
In fairness to my county men their approach in Aughrim last weekend was on a different level in terms of competitiveness and work-rate. Galway’s league was forgettable though their unfortunate one-point loss to Monaghan in Clones at the end of the campaign was a big performance.
Last year Mayo beat Roscommon by 12 points in McHale Park, so why the struggle this year? Mayo supporters will be hoping that Mayo have tapered their training to be bouncing in August and September, believing that they should have enough to lift the Nestor Cup while still training hard.
Mayo looked vulnerable against Roscommon in the Hyde, though when push came to shove they were left standing. James Horan’s selection that day didn’t work and their inexperienced half-forward line was left stewing for too long before Andy Moran changed in a telephone kiosk and came to the rescue.
Team News
James Horan has taken heed of their poor start against Roscommon and experience is favoured. Barry Moran is named at midfield with Aidan O’Shea named at centre-forward. Moran also offers an option at full-forward where he operated well for his club last year. Andy Moran and Alan Dillon both start. Andy Moran’s leadership, in particular, is a big plus for Mayo.
Galway are also strengthened by the return of Paul Conroy in place of Michael Martin, and, like Moran, he can alternate between the full-forward line and midfield.
Recommended Bets
There’s an argument to be made that these sides graphs are bringing them closer together. Galway’s Under-21 stars from a couple of seasons ago like O’Currain, Flynn and the exciting Shane Walsh are starting to deliver on the senior stage while Mayo’s Sam-hunt is taking its toll on their side.
Midfield is the key to this game and I can’t see the O’Shea brothers and Barry Moran (good name for a traditional band) give O’Currain the latitude he was allowed in Sligo. Eddie Hoare won a sight of ball against Sligo too, but Mayo's physicality can reduce that. This won’t be for the faint-hearted as a questioned Mayo will look to boss matters.
Form
Galway had a comfortable five point win over Sligo, a bogey team for them in recent years, in Markievicz. They showed a maturity their age profile barely suggested possible in their control of the tempo of that clash but, it has to be said, Sligo were putrid on the day. They lacked the appetite needed for championship fare and allowed Galway too much time and space to pick out passes.
In fairness to my county men their approach in Aughrim last weekend was on a different level in terms of competitiveness and work-rate. Galway’s league was forgettable though their unfortunate one-point loss to Monaghan in Clones at the end of the campaign was a big performance.
Last year Mayo beat Roscommon by 12 points in McHale Park, so why the struggle this year? Mayo supporters will be hoping that Mayo have tapered their training to be bouncing in August and September, believing that they should have enough to lift the Nestor Cup while still training hard.
Mayo looked vulnerable against Roscommon in the Hyde, though when push came to shove they were left standing. James Horan’s selection that day didn’t work and their inexperienced half-forward line was left stewing for too long before Andy Moran changed in a telephone kiosk and came to the rescue.
Team News
James Horan has taken heed of their poor start against Roscommon and experience is favoured. Barry Moran is named at midfield with Aidan O’Shea named at centre-forward. Moran also offers an option at full-forward where he operated well for his club last year. Andy Moran and Alan Dillon both start. Andy Moran’s leadership, in particular, is a big plus for Mayo.
Galway are also strengthened by the return of Paul Conroy in place of Michael Martin, and, like Moran, he can alternate between the full-forward line and midfield.
Recommended Bets
There’s an argument to be made that these sides graphs are bringing them closer together. Galway’s Under-21 stars from a couple of seasons ago like O’Currain, Flynn and the exciting Shane Walsh are starting to deliver on the senior stage while Mayo’s Sam-hunt is taking its toll on their side.
Midfield is the key to this game and I can’t see the O’Shea brothers and Barry Moran (good name for a traditional band) give O’Currain the latitude he was allowed in Sligo. Eddie Hoare won a sight of ball against Sligo too, but Mayo's physicality can reduce that. This won’t be for the faint-hearted as a questioned Mayo will look to boss matters.
With home advantage and a strong team selected, Mayo to cover the handicap looks like the bet of the weekend.""
Categories
Gaelic Games Betting Tips & Predictions