1. Will this be a shootout or a cagier affair?
Statistics released this week showed the positive effect of the black card since its introduction – will this game support that? The first meeting of these sides in early March certainly did in a game which Cork won 1-17 to 0-18.
It was a remarkable shootout that yielded 24 scores in the first half alone. They were tied at 0-8 apiece after just 18 minutes and by the break, Cork led 1-11 to 0-12.
With a place in the league final at stake, will both sides be tighter in defence tomorrow?
2. The benefits of the league
Jim Gavin spoke yesterday about Dublin being in “bonus territory” now but realistically, these two counties should be gunning for a place in a league final.
The Dubs saw the benefits last year when winning the title in April was a springboard for their September glory.
On the other hand, Cork won three-in-a-row of league titles between 2010 and 2012. Last year they failed to make the knockout stages but now that they are back at that juncture, they will be eager to impress.
3. Dublin’s big guns return
Cork gained a vital win over Dublin back in March but Dubs were weakened, missing big names due to injuries and club commitments.
They now have the likes of Diarmuid Connolly, who proved so vital against Tyrone last week, and Alan Brogan back involved while Bernard Brogan should see his first game time since the All-Ireland final at some stage tomorrow.
Surely those players will pose a stiffer test and provide sterner examination of Cork’s credentials.
4. Cork try to gain foothold around the middle
Cork lost a lot of options over the winter, not least with the retirements of Pearse O’Neill, Alan O’Connor and Graham Canty. On top of that their number one midfielder Aidan Walsh is out injured as is emerging prospect Ruairi Deane.
That leaves Fintan Goold and Andrew O’Sullivan – 2007 All Ireland U21 winners – as the main men. They have done well; Goold in particular was outstanding against Tyrone a couple of weeks ago while both also impressed against Kerry last week.
Tomorrow will be another big challenge for them.
5. The champions against their biggest challengers?
Dublin are the favourites for the All-Ireland and with good reason: they have the strongest squad, the winning form from last year, and class everywhere on the pitch.
Do they face their biggest challengers tomorrow?
Cork have revitalized themselves this spring with some terrific form, new faces in the team and a more expansive style of play. They certainly caught the eye in crushing Kerry last week with Brian Hurley the star man in attack.
It’ll be interesting to see if they can claim the scalp of Dublin again in Croke Park.
