by Adam Moynihan

National League: Division 1

Kerry v Dublin

Austin Stack Park

Saturday at 7pm

They say it’s Newbridge or nowhere. One or the other. Funnily enough, in that second half last Sunday, it felt like Kerry were occupying both places at once.

Barring three individual moments of attacking flair by Paul Geaney, Paudie Clifford and Tony Brosnan, it was an uncomfortably impotent attacking display down the stretch by the men in green and gold.

Yes, Kildare showed great heart and no little skill to clinch a point, but from Kerry’s perspective the performance was well below their usual standards. Runs that should have been made were not made. Passes that should have been completed were not completed. Balls that should have stuck didn’t stick (in fact, “unstuck” just about sums it up).

Although his team had led by as many as five points, Jack O’Connor was probably happy out with the draw when all was said and done. That will tell you how severely the walls crumbled.

On an individual level, several Kerry players had days to forget and they will be keen to get back into their groove under the bright lights of Stack Park. However, Dublin’s players also have a point to prove after their surprise defeat to Armagh at HQ. Losing their first two matches would keep them rooted to the bottom of the table. Not a good look for a team that has won six of the last seven All-Irelands.

The bad news for Kerry is that influential wing back Gavin White is out of contention after he sustained a hamstring injury in Kildare. The same man who replaced him that day, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, starts in his stead tomorrow night, with the other five backs plus goalkeeper Shane Murphy all retaining their places in the starting 15.

Na Gaeil colleagues Diarmuid O’Connor and Jack Barry come straight back into midfield, a double switch which releases Adrian Spillane and Seán O'Shea to the half forward line. Micheál Burns drops to the bench, as does inside forward Killian Spillane. Paudie Clifford will wear No. 13.

Stephen O'Brien has recovered from his hamstring injury - at least well enough to take his place on the bench.

Dublin are expected to name their lineup at around midday tomorrow. Against Armagh, Dessie Farrell started with nine of the team who were defeated by Mayo in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final. They looked rather off the pace, though, and perhaps they’re not quite operating at 100% at this early stage of the season.

The sight of the Kerry jersey could well jolt them into life, however, and this fixture has all the makings of a typically tense and exciting Kerry-Dublin showdown.

VERDICT: Kerry by one.

KERRY TEAM TO PLAY DUBLIN

1. Shane Murphy (Dr Crokes)
2. Dan O'Donoghue (Spa)
3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)
4. Tom O'Sullivan (Dingle)
5. Paul Murphy (Rathmore)
6. Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)
7. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht)
8. Diarmuid O'Connor (Na Gaeil)
9. Jack Barry (Na Gaeil)
10. Adrian Spillane (Templenoe)
11. Seán O'Shea (Kenmare Shamrocks)
12. Dara Moynihan (Spa)
13. Paudie Clifford (Fossa)
14. David Clifford (Fossa)
15. Paul Geaney (Dingle)

SUBS: Shane Ryan (Rathmore), Killian Spillane (Templenoe), Micheál Burns (Dr Crokes), Gavin Crowley (Templenoe), Tony Brosnan (Dr Crokes), Graham O'Sullivan (Dromid Pearses), Jack Savage (Kerins O'Rahillys), Dylan Casey (Austin Stacks), Stephen O'Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks), Greg Horan (Austin Stacks), Darragh Roche (Glenflesk).