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Who is Dublin Football’s next breakout star?

In almost every one of Dublin’s five Championship winning seasons in a row, Jim Gavin graced the teamsheet with a new face. It started with Brian Fenton in 2015. Then, the likes of Con O’Callaghan, Niall Scully, and Brian Howard came through the ranks. This sort of talent pool is what makes Dublin so good. No matter how secure a player seems to be in the side, there is always someone younger, and often hungrier, chomping at the bit. Ahead of the 2020 Championship, the candidates for Dublin’s new breakout star have been auditioning.

Those who set the Standard

Brian Fenton was the one who started this trend all the way back in 2015. Fenton started in midfield in a National League against Monaghan. Then, an early goal put his name on the map and he has never looked back.

Next, in 2016 Davy Byrne appeared among the full-back line and couldn’t be displaced.

After that, Dublin’s third All-Ireland on the trot announced Con O’Callaghan’s arrival to the big stage. While O’Callaghan took the headlines, another fresh face was waiting in the wings in Niall Scully.

In 2018, Niall Scully got his chance and hasn’t left the term since. Likewise, Brian Howard came to the fore in 2018. All of a sudden, two wing-forwards had come out of the blue to replace Paul Flynn and Diarmuid Connolly. Like clockwork, the conveyor belt threw out whatever Jim Gavin needed.

2019 was perhaps the first year that Dublin’s primary 15 was entirely made up of household names. However, Eoin Murchan still emerged as a breakout star. But, he had also graduated to the senior team in 2018. Dublin’s ‘baby-faced assassin’ remained largely out of the spotlight until his goal in the 2019 replay against Kerry.

Meanwhile, plenty of players have made names for themselves without ever becoming a staple of the first 15. For example, Cormac Costello, Darren Daly, and Evan Comerford would be guaranteed starters in most counties.

Now, youngsters like Ciaran Archer, Conor McHugh, Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler do not lack talent. But, they are still to displace any of the forwards currently in place.

Ahead of the 2020 Championship, we are left to wonder ‘who is Dublin’s next breakout star?’

Who’s Next?

Sean Bugler appears to be the most likely of the youngsters to be deployed by Dessie Farrell. Bugler can play anywhere in the front six. However, this is what goes against him as the forward line is undoubtedly the hardest place to break into right now.

Similarly, Aaron Byrne and Ciaran Archer were standouts in their respective U21/U20 campaigns. Dessie Farrell will be well aware of these players. The new Dublin manager was the coach of the 2017 All-Ireland winning U21 team.

This year, Dubin are without Jack McCaffrey for the Championship. Therefore, a spot is up for grabs. Since the restart of the National League, Ballyboden St. Enda’s player Robbie McDaid has been given a chance here. He could be given the chance to make himself a household name come the Championship.

Further back, Cian Murphy is putting in performances in the full-back line. The likes of Philly McMahon and Johnny Cooper have been around for a long time. As he starts his reign, Dessie Farrell may see it as a chance to put his own stamp on the time.

In midfield, Emmet Ó Conghaile has started alongside Fenton against Meath and Galway. He has been around for a few years but 2020 could be the year he breaks into the team.

Bugler, McHugh, Archer, and Byrne could be put even further down the pecking order thanks to Paddy Small’s emergence. Furthermore, Eric Lowndes has turned himself into a candidate among the half-forward line.

To summarise, Dublin’s conveyor belt of talent continues to produce. Yet, past seasons suggest that only a select few will be given a chance when Championship comes around.

Perhaps Farrell will put his own spin on proceedings. The current crop of players around the starting team emphasise how strong they are. But Farrell has his own knowledge of these players. Whoever he chooses to be Dublin’s next breakout star is all but guaranteed to be a success.

Dublin start their Championship on November 7th at home to Westmeath.

https://3.249.64.60/feature/kerry-cruise-to-victory-and-win-division-one-league-title-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/feature/kerry-cruise-to-victory-and-win-division-one-league-title-2020/

https://twitter.com/DubGAAOfficial/status/1320468003960606720

Leicester City shine as Leeds United are pushed aside

Tonight’s win moves the Foxes up to 2nd in the table

Leeds have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League so far this season. They have played some incredible football thus far which has yielded some impressive results. Tonight, though, they came undone by an equally exciting Leicester side.

Leicester had several first team absentees going into the game. They fielded a weakened team because of this. The Leicester team included a mixture of experience and youth. 4 Premier League winners started for Leicester – Albrighton, Schmeichel, Vardy & Fuchs – while young players such as Luke Thomas also got their opportunity to impress. Their lack of regular starters clearly didn’t affect them all that much as they came away with a spectacular win.

The last time the two sides met in the Premier League was in the 2003/4 season. Leeds won 3-2 on that day in an exciting affair. The match tonight promised to be just as – if not more – enthralling as both teams have played some eye-catching football this season.

It didn’t take long for Leicester to hit the front as they struck in the 2nd minute as Harvey Barnes produced the finish. The goal came as a result of a Leicester counter attack after Leeds squandered an opportunity just moments beforehand. Patrick Bamford had the glorious opportunity after an excellent Leeds move. The ball fell to Bamford after a cushioned pass from the left-hand side, but his header was weak and straight at the keeper. Jamie Vardy capitalized on a poor Leeds back pass from the resulting counter attack and put the ball on a plate for Barnes to score.

Leicester went up 2-0 not long afterwards. It was that man Jamie Vardy causing problems for the Leeds defence again. Although he didn’t score, he played a big role leading up to the goal. It was his instinctive movement inside the box that allowed him to attempt a diving header which was saved by Meslier. Youri Tielemans was alert and ready as he anticipated the rebound and easily finished.

Leicester continued to dominate for much of the first half after the 2 goals. Their high intensity pressing, quick movement and counter attacking play rattled the opposition. Leeds were unusually sloppy as they consistently gave away possession under Leicester pressure.

Leeds started the second half a lot better than they had ended the first. In rather bizarre circumstances, a Stuart Dallas cross evaded everyone in the box before creeping into the net. Schmeichel arguably could have done better but to be fair, his defenders didn’t cover themselves in glory either.

Leeds very nearly got the equalizer with 54 minutes played. Pablo Hernandez demonstrated an exceptional touch before placing the ball towards goal, but his effort hit the bar. Had his effort gone in, it would have been an outstanding goal. Leeds were looking much better now than they did in the first half. They were much tidier in possession and effective in the final third.

Leeds’ second half effort wasn’t to be rewarded, though. Leicester wrapped up the game in the 75th minute with a goal by who else but Jamie Vardy. It was a brilliant touch and pass by the sub James Maddison that created the chance. His through ball fell to the feet of another sub, Cengiz Ünder, who unselfishly passed to Vardy instead of going for goal himself. It’s the second time in a week that the two have combined for a goal. Ünder’s cross to Vardy last weekend proved to be the winner against Arsenal.

Leeds’ woes were compounded in the 89th minute after a VAR review awarded Leicester with a penalty. There was no Jamie Vardy on the pitch to take but that wasn’t to be a concern. Youri Tielemans stepped up to the spot and coolly dispatched his penalty to get his 2nd of the night.

The match finished 4-1 to Leicester as the goals dried up. Leicester move up to 2nd in the table while Leeds remain in 12th.

Top 10 Christmas Presents for Him

This year, Christmas may not bring about the traditions so many of us enjoy. However, this perhaps gives us even more reason to mark the holidays with the perfect gifts. Here are 10 of the top Christmas presents for him in 2020.

Dingle Distillery Whiskey.

This is a Christmas where we are being urged to shop locally more than ever before. However, this does not mean we are limited in any way at all. In the field of whiskey, gin, and vodka, the Dingle Distillery’s artisan approach ensures we need not look too far for the perfect Christmas drink.

Furthermore, Dingle is also releasing its Fourth Single Pot Still Release whiskey, which will be available from November 5. Perfect timing for Christmas. With no confirmation of having pubs open this Christmas, make sure you have the right stock at home.

https://dingledistillery.ie/

Sports Crests Prints.

Artist Vincent Devine has created a collection of re-imagined crests using his own unique interpretation and style. The four Irish provinces’ rugby crests feature in this collection and are all beautifully finished.

The prints are available in three sizes: 12 x 12 inch, 20 x 20 inch or 30 x 30 inch. Each print is printed on fine art archival paper.

https://sportscrests.com/shop/

Books.

An obvious option for a present for rugby fans have good options this year.

Firstly, Rory Best’s autobiography was released earlier in the year. The former Ireland captain recounts lessons and experience from his 14-year international career.

Secondly, Rob Kearney has just released his own story entitled ‘No Hiding: My Autobiography’. The Leinster man is Ireland’s most decorated player and his illustrious career extended through the ups and downs of Irish Rugby.

Both of these books are available on Kennys.ie.

https://www.kennys.ie/shop/no-hiding-my-autobiography

Lions Tickets vs Japan. 

In truth, this one is a challenge but would have you in the good books for a lifetime. As part of next year’s British and Irish Lions Tour, the Lions will first play Japan in Murrayfield on the 26th of June.

While it may be many rugby fans’ dream to follow the Lions on one of their southern-hemisphere tours, this will only be the third time the Lions have ever competed on home soil. Hence, anyone present would be a part of rugby history. Even for non-rugby fans, the novelty of getting to a live event is too good to turn down.

Tickets for the historic fixture go on pre-sale on Tuesday 3 November, with supporters able to register their interest at lionsrugby.com/Vodafone-1888-Cup. Vodafone customers will be able to benefit from access to tickets and giveaways via the VeryMe loyalty programme.

https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/british-and-irish-lions-to-play-japan-at-bt-murrayfield#:~:text=BT%20Murrayfield%20will%20host%20the,the%20Vodafone%20Lions%201888%20Cup.

Scratch Posters.

The idea of scratch maps where you scratch off a new country every time you visit one has become very popular in recent years.

Now, these posters can be found for almost anything. With people spending more and more time at home, why not get Him a scratch poster for 100 movies to watch?

Likewise, you can find one for any type of interest. For example, craft beers to taste, albums to listen to, or activities to try.

SmartWatch.

The age of the fancy leather-strapped or big-faced watches has passed. Instead, it’s all about how much you information you can fit on your wrist in the smallest amount of space. SmartWatches have become even more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic because of their built-in GPS systems.

Fitness fanatics can track every detail of their lifestyle. FitBit are the leading provider for this particular sector but Apple have come to rival them.

FitBit’s newest offering, the Versa 3, features heart-rate tracking, blood-oxygen sensors, sleep tracking, menstrual-cycle tracking, and built-in GPS. It’s also waterproof and has its own wireless payments system. On the other hand, those with iPhones want to go with the Series 6 which has all the same offerings but isn’t compatible with Android phones.

If the top of the market is beyond your reach, both FitBit and Apple also have mid-range alternatives that more than suffice and come with a selection of coloured straps.

Wireless Earphones/Headphones.

This one is in the same bracket as SmartWatches. This is a present that would just add so much convenience to someone’s life. Instead of fiddling with wires all of the time, he could be able to move freely.

If fitness is his thing, he can listen to music while he exercises without a wire bouncing off him or pulling the earphones out of his ear.

In fact, anyone can benefit from these as they could be used on a commute, a trip to the shops, or even for work. If people are working from laptops all day, they would surely be thankful for the freedom to be able to get up and move while still being connected to a call or video.

If someone is working from home, go one better and get them noise-cancelling headphones so they can block out the hustle and bustle of a house full of people.

Polaroid Cameras.

It would be very easy to fill this list with the latest savvy tech kit. But, everyone is getting more conscious of the time they are spending plugged into devices and so it may be an idea to offer people fun alternatives.

One example is with photographs. Now, everyone edits their photos on their phones or social media. Instead, people could find enjoyment in seeing physical photographs again.

Fujifilm’s Instax Instant Camera prints photos immediately. Give Christmas a physical feeling again and capture the festive moments in all their authenticity.

Personalised Glass.

Add a personal touch with an inscription on a pint glass or wine glass. Gifts.ie allow you to inscribe any message on a glass and even offer designs to add to it. For example, if he is a golfer, they offer a glass with a golfer engraved alongside a message.

Maybe even couple this present with a local beer. Black Donkey Brewing from Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon are making a name for themselves.

https://blackdonkeybeer.com/

Local GAA Gear

Make sure you’re ready to support your local GAA Club with some gear in the club colours.

O’Neills now cover almost every club in the country on their website and you can easily find the perfect Christmas presents for him. The options extend beyond training jerseys and playing shorts for players. Jackets, hoodies, raincoats are just some of the options fans have to keep themselves covered at local games.

Furthermore, there has been a rise of local companies outfitting GAA teams. It would be worthwhile if your club already has a company offering local gear.

https://www.oneills.com/clubs?sport=136

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://twitter.com/dougleddin/status/1322946056120926210

Hurling qualifier round 1 fixtures confirmed.

Next Saturday’s round 1 hurling qualifiers have been confirmed by the GAA this lunchtime. The round 1 draw took place on RTE radio 1 earlier today. All Ireland Champions Tipperary and Leinster Champions Wexford were both given a bye into round 2.

First up on Saturday at 1:15pm is the meeting of Laois and Clare at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny. This game will be broadcast on the GAA Go platform.

The second qualifier between Dublin and Cork will take place at Semple Stadium, Thurles at 3:45pm and will be shown on Sky Sports Mix.

Live updates on both these games can be found here.

Gareth Bale is Back in Business

Gareth Bale scores winner against Brighton

A goal that was scored in North London, but made in Madrid. Fellow summer recruit Sergio Reguilón cut in on his weaker foot and delivered an inviting cross which Gareth Bale converted. A difficult finish made to look easy. Both players arrived from Real Madrid and while Bale has had to wait patiently to make his impact, Reguilón has caught the eye on several occasions thus far.

Bale’s winning goal was his first in a Spurs’ shirt for seven and half years. Yet the Welshman celebrated like it was his first for the club, brimming with joy as he embraced his teammates. All that was missing was a ‘genuine’ roar from the fans, but for now the piped-in noise will suffice.

Although seven years have elapsed since his last game for the club, the spark still remains and Spurs’ fans can’t help but express their excitement at the prospect of Son, Kane and Bale leading the line.

Bale will feel he still has a lot to prove, especially to Real Madrid fans. Even his new boss Jose Mourinho was intrigued to see how Madrid would react to their former player’s first goal of the season: “When I have five minutes I’m going to Safari to look at Madrid websites to see what they say”. A cheeky swipe at his old club from Mourinho, who continued by reiterating that “he (Bale) knows we care about him”.

Tottenham Hotspurs 2-1 Brighton Hove Albion

The game itself was a relatively tight affair. Spurs left it late against Burnley on Monday evening and this game had a similar feel to it. Harry Kane netted Spurs’ first from the penalty spot. Kane was bundled over on the edge of Brighton’s box by Adam Lallana. The former Liverpool man was adjudged to have fouled Kane, however from the replay it appeared that the striker went looking for the foul.

Brighton came back into the game after conceding, and got their equaliser early in the second half thanks to a well-placed finish from full-back Tariq Lamptey. Again controversy surrounded this goal. Despite a VAR review of Solly March’s badly-timed tackle on Pierre Højbjerg in the build-up, the goal stood.

The tide turned again. Erik Lamela and Harry Kane were both denied by the woodwork. With twenty minutes left on the clock, Gareth Bale arrived onto the pitch and grabbed the winner. Inspired by the number nine on his back, Bale created some space in Brighton’s box and headed home Reguilón’s cross.

The win takes Spurs up to second place in the league, two points behind leaders Liverpool. A strong start to the season for Mourinho’s men.

49ers @ Seattle Seahawks – Preview & Prediction and Fantasy advice

NFL Week 8 Sunday 9:25pm Game Preview



San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Seattle suffered their first loss of the season last week, dropping a nail-biter in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals. This week they have another NFC West rival to contend with in the shape of the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners will be trying to make sure they don’t lose any more ground on the Seahawks in the playoff and divisional title race. They’re on a 2-game win streak and the injury issues that crippled their early season form have lightened somewhat. Games in this division are generally fiercely contested and this is poised to be no different.

Betpat Betting:
Money line: ​​49ers​​10/11​​Seahawks​​10/11
Points Spread: ​Seahawks -1.5​
Over/Under:​​53.5

I think this will be a high scoring game, I think both will go over 30 points so the over 53.5 is a good bet in my opinion.Not surprised they have it so tight, should be a really close game. I love Will Dissly at 25/1 to score 1at TD too.
Fantasy Football:
49ers:
San Francisco’s offense looks to have finally got back on track. But with Deebo Samuel out again and Jimmy Garoppolo’s form being patchy there will be a lot of importance on the running back trio of Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty making an impact. The problem is none of these stand out to take the reigns as a lead back so opportunities will be limited for each in terms of volume but all are capable of splash plays, especially in the creative Kyle Shanahan running game.

Their main receiving threat need no introduction at this stage. George Kittle is the 2nd ranked TE in Fantasy despite missing 2 games, although a big chunk of his points was scored in the Eagles and Rams games. I’d have no problem starting him here anyway.


Seahawks:
Injury issues surround the Seahawks running back corps with Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and Travis Homer all appearing asat least questionable in the injury report. Ex Miami Hurricane DeeJay Dallas is the next up on the depth chart and should expect to play some part. Just like the 49ers, I wouldn’t want to be relying on any of these.

That leaves Seattle having to use a pass heavy game plan. And they won’t complain about that. The combination of QB Russell Wilson and receiver DK Metcalf are amongst the league’s best. Add Tyler Lockett into the mix and this is an extremely dangerous offense.


My Prediction:
Tough enough game to predict. Seattle have been racking up the wins but a leaky defense holds them back from completely dominating. San Francisco have struggled for a lot of the season, but you always got the feeling they would get it right and return to form, especially when some of the injury madness lightened up a bit. Their recent play makes this an exciting game but I’m leaning towards a narrow Seahawks win

Seahawks by 4

Aubameyang breaks his duck as Arsenal defeat Manchester United

He dispatched his penalty in what would be the winning goal

Manchester United needed to find consistency following their erratic form earlier in the season. It appeared they were on the way to doing so given their recent results. Their unbeaten run was ended tonight, however. Arsenal came out victors in what was a lacklustre Manchester United performance. Many would have favoured Manchester United for the victory tonight, but that wasn’t to be.

After all, Arsenal were in less than impressive form prior to the match. Before this evening, Arsenal had lost 4 of their previous 5 Premier League games. Their win this evening means they now sit 8th in the Premier League table, moving up 5 places from 13th.

The form of their talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been called into question this year. The striker’s goal return has been nothing short of incredible over the years. However, this year he has struggled to find the net with regularity. He will be satisfied with his performance tonight, though. His goal to make it 1-0 would turn out to be the winner. Having struggled for consistency so far this season, his goal tonight should give the striker a massive confidence boost.

Oppositely, Marcus Rashford has been in incredible form of late. Rashford scored 6 goals in his last 4 games prior to today. His impressive return of 3 goals – as a substitute – midweek would have done his confidence no harm going into tonight. He failed to impress, though, as he was marshalled by the opposition and failed to find space throughout.

The match itself was anticipated to be an exciting affair but that wasn’t to be. While not being necessarily boring, the match was a tense affair. Arsenal kept the ball well in possession as Manchester United failed to disgruntle them by pressing high like they have done in the past.

In fact, it took 21 minutes before either team had a shot at goal. Academy graduates linked up as Marcus Rashford’s pinpoint ball was collected by Greenwood. He shot from a similar angle as his goal midweek, but Bernd Leno had no trouble as he comfortably dealt with his effort.

Arsenal struggled to create opportunities in the first half, but were quite clearly the better team. Lacazette had the best chance as the ball fell to him inside the box after a good passing move. He failed to make a connection with the ball though and the move broke down. Saka also had an opportunity from a header towards the end of the half, but his shot sailed over the bar.

Aubameyang had his first real chance of the game shortly after the first half commenced. Indecision from Fred allowed Lacazette to intercept and set up the Gabonese hitman. David De Gea had no problems, however, as his shot went wide of the post.

Manchester United had an opportunity of their own not long afterwards. Harry Maguire got his head to the ball from a good set piece delivery, but his attempt went just wide.

Paul Pogba was the villain in the 67th minute as his clumsy challenge inside the box brought down Hector Bellerin. Mike Dean made his decision almost immediately as he pointed to the spot. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended his drought of 5 games without scoring by tucking away the resulting penalty.

United nearly got their equalizer on 84 minutes after a series of mishaps in the Arsenal box. Donny Van de Beek crossed the ball into the box before his cross bounced off Elneny and Leno on the way to hitting the post. In truth, it would have been very unfortunate for Arsenal as they had dominated much of the match.

Arsenal managed to hang on as the match finished 1-0. Aubameyang’s strike was the difference in an important match for both clubs.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens – Preview & Prediction and Fantasy advice

NFL Week 8 Sunday 6:00pm Game Preview & Prediction and Fantasy advice, the game will go a long way to deciding the division. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens Preview

Sunday opens with massive clash as 2 of the AFC North’s finest go head to head. Baltimore came into the season as the hot favourites but as we approach the midway stage of the season their 5-1 record is surprisingly only good enough for 2nd behind the 6-0 Steelers, the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team. An impressive win against the Tennessee Titans last week would have silenced a lot of doubters and knocking off the Ravens this week will surely cement them as legitimate SuperBowl contenders. Can they keep their unbeaten run going or will the Ravens take that ‘0’ away?

Betpat Betting:

Money line: ​​Steelers​8/5​​Ravens​​1/2
Points Spread: ​Ravens –4​
Over/Under:​​45.5

I think 8/5 is excellent odds for the Steelers. The Ravenshaven’t looked all that impressive, despite the 5-1 record and I think the Steelers have more than enough about them to hand them their 2nd loss.



Fantasy Football:


Steelers:
If there was any doubt about this Steelers defense before last week, there shouldn’t be now. They held Derrick Henry to under 4 yards a carry, (even if they gave up a TD to him in the process) and did it without selling out too much to keep Ryan Tannehill and the passing offense in check. The face a different kind of test this week in the read option-based Ravens defense. They won’t win this battle on aggression alone and will need to stay disciplined, especially on the edge. But I trust Mike Tomlin to have a good plan in place and his player’s ability to execute it. If they get ahead and the Raven have to air it out more than they would like, there are turnovers there to be had too.

The offense also faces a very different prospect this week. While the Titans secondary were there to be got at, the Ravens have one of the best, if not the best, cornerback tandems in the league. Big plays will have to be earned by the Pitt receiver group, but they have enough talent there to get it done. I expect to see a lot of short to intermediate passes to Juju in the slot and he is a good option today especially in PPR leagues in my opinion.

James Conner has another tough task ahead of him at running back this week but that seems to be when he shows up the most. He may not ever be a fantasy giant, but he has shown he can keep putting respectable numbers up even against the better defences. I said last week I struggle to have any faith in him, and I’m not abandoning that, but it would be unfair to ignore his steady contribution.

Ravens:
As I already mentioned, the Steelers offense will have to earn every yard they get in this game. The face the no.1 defense in fantasy in the Baltimore Ravens, though they have played against their fair share of anaemic offenses to date. The Earl Thomas drama is in the rear-view mirror at this stage and they’ll be eager to impose their will on the Steelers attack.

Lamar Jackson was widely drafted early in fantasy drafts but so far hasn’t lived up to the billing. He and the Ravens have tried to convince everyone that he is good enough to beat teams with his arm if he has to, but the proof provided hasn’t been overwhelming. I expect the Steelers defense to try to make him do that again in this game, and I would be very apprehensive about starting Jackson unless you don’t have another viable option.

The knock-on effect is that his receivers may see more action than usual, but the question is the quality of those opportunities. Mark Andrews has been a favoured target of Jackson for a while now and should continue to contribute well for fantasy owners. And while Hollywood Brown hasn’t been doing too well as of late, he is always a big play threat.

At RB, whether Mark Ingram plays or not will be a latedecision. He hasn’t practiced all week which usually says he won’t play, although his advanced age and familiarity with the system would make it a lot easier for them to have held him out for precaution. But I think it’s unlikely he plays which puts the tandem of rookie JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards front and centre. That would likely result in a fairly even splitbetween the 2, and Justice Hill may even get a chance to make his way back from the wilderness. I don’t see a reliable option in this group.


My Prediction:


The AFC North games are usually very physical affairs and don’t expect anything different here. These 2 will go to war. If the Ravens can establish a rhythm on offense, they’ll be tough to stop but my gut favours the Steelers to keep them at bay.

Steelers by 10

Leitrim vs Mayo: Connacht Football – Preview & Starting Team News

There is no time for Mayo to dwell over their failure to remain in Division 1. They return to action just a week after the defeat to Tyrone and this time there is even more on the line. The 2020 Football Championship has been a long time coming but it’s here now and the knock-out format means no time for settling in. Leitrim vs Mayo takes place in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday.

CLICK FOR live score commentary, with scorers and minute by minute updates

Leitrim suffered relegation themselves in the League. They had a chance of survival if they beat Tipperary in the final round. However, a two-point loss sealed their fate. Previously, they had to concede the game against Down. This was a result of players waiting on Covid-19 test results and not being able to field a team.

It has been twenty years since Leitrim last made it to a Connacht final. This year, they again drew the short straw as even an upset against Mayo would pit them against Roscommon in the semi-final with Galway on the other side of the draw. The return to action hasn’t exactly given Leitrim fans reason to be hopeful about this game. However, with no qualifiers to fall back on, they may relish the chance to take on some of the best in the game and see how they fare.

Can Mayo master Connacht again?

Mayo have not won a Connacht Championship since 2015 (their fifth in a row). This is surprising considering they made it to the 2016 and ’17 finals and 2019 semi-final. Indeed, it has been Connacht that has proven the hardest for Mayo to conquer in recent years.

When Mayo trounced Galway in the first game back recently, the familiar echoes of ‘Mayo are back’ echoed around the west. But, in typical Mayo fashion, they undid their hard work at home a week later to end their 23-year spell in Division 1.

This could prove to be the best thing to happen to James Horan’s side. In recent seasons, after losing in Connacht, Mayo progressively got stronger during the qualifiers. But, a loss this year does not yield a second chance. Therefore, with defeat already on their backs, Mayo could fall into the familiar pattern of finding form when they are on their last life.

The final two League games made for interesting reading for Mayo fans. The team selections yielded some very exciting prospects (e.g Tommy Conroy, Mark Moran, Eoghan McLoughlin, Oisin Mullin) but it was perhaps Aidan O’Shea’s deployment at full-forward that most caught the eye.

O’Shea was the biggest anarchist against Galway and even if he did not repeat the trick against Tyrone, the tactic is a good option to have. In fact, Leitrim could be the best place to experiment with such a move again.

The likes of O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor have been around for longer than it seems now. Likewise, the Keegans, Vaughans, and Parsons are aging faster than Mayo fans would want. As a result, this could be the greatest chance for Mayo to launch an All-Ireland quest again. It will only require five wins in a row to go all the way (Mayo played 10 games in the 2017 campaign). The new injection of youth could complement the experienced heads nicely.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES

2012: Mayo 4-20 Leitrim 0-10 (Connacht semi-final)
2006: Mayo 1-10 Leitrim 1-9 Connacht semi-final)
1997: Mayo 0-18 Leitrim 0-11 (Connacht semi-final)
1994: Leitrim 0-12 Mayo 2-4 (Connacht final)
1988: Mayo 1-13 Leitrim 0-4 (Connacht quarter-final)

Things to note

(1) Other than against London and New York, Leitrim haven’t won a Connacht championship games since beating Sligo in the 2011 quarter-final in 2011.
(2) Mayo have lost to Leitrim only three times in the Connacht championship (1994-1976-1959).
(3) Mayo were relegated from Division 1 last weekend after winning two, drawing one and losing four of their seven games.
(4) Leitrim were relegated from Division 3 after winning one, drawing and losing four games. They also conceded a walkover against Down.
(5) Leitrim have scored only one goal against Mayo in their last six championship meetings and haven’t scored two goals against the green-and-red since 1976.
(6) The winners will play Roscommon in the semi-final on Sunday week.

 

Betting

Leitrim are as long 14/1 to cause an upset. Mayo are 1/66 and a draw is 33/1.

The game is being shown on RTÉ News Now.

Prediction: Mayo.

Team News

Leitrim

1.Brendan Flynn

2.Donal Casey

3. Donal Wrynn

4. Conor Reynolds

5. David Bruen

6.Aidan Flynn

7.Cillian Mc Gloin

8. Mark Plunkett

9. Domnnaill Flynn

10. Conor Dolan

11. Paddy Maguire (Captain)

12. Jack Gilheaney

13. Shane Quinn

14.Evan Sweeney

15. Keith Beirne

Mayo

1. David Clarke – Ballina Stephenites
2. Oisín Mullin – Kilmaine
3. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
4. Lee Keegan – Westport
5. Patrick Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
6. Rory Brickenden – Westport
7. Eoghan McLaughlin – Westport
8. Matthew Ruane – Breaffy
9. Conor Loftus – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
10. Bryan Walsh – Ballintubber
11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet
12. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
13. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy (C)
15. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber

Connacht Football Championship Quarter-Final: Leitrim vs Mayo, Sunday, November 1st, 13:15 (Carrick-on-Shannon).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://twitter.com/MayoGAA/status/1321106158480953345

Tipperary vs Clare: Preview, TV Channel, Prediction, Betting

A Munster semi-final awaits the winner of Tipperary vs Clare this Sunday. These two teams went through their respective League campaigns without making any headlines and remaining in their respective divisions. But, Championship football can throw up surprises. This year, the knock-out format means there is no room for error so games will be nervy and anything can happen.

Clare’s win over Fermanagh in the first game back proved to be enough to save them in Division 2. Last weekend, they lost to Armagh but remained above the dropzone. There were some good spells against Armagh that Colm Collins will be very encouraged by. However, it will take a good performance for the full 70 minutes to advance in the Championship.

In Division 3, Tipperary secured their survival by beating Leitrim in round 7. A goal in each half went a long way to their success. Liam Casey’s strike five minutes from time put the game beyond Leitrim. But, the Connacht side fought for the full game. As a result, Tipperary are well prepared heading into the Championship.

Last season, Tipperary lost two in a row in the Championship. Now, it will only take one game to end their season. Hence, there is no room for error. In contrast, Clare bounced back from their defeat to Kerry in the Munster semi-final by going all the way to the fourth round of the qualifiers. There, just a point stopped them from going to the Super 8s.

Paddy Power have gone with Tipperary as the 8/11 favourites. Clare are 11/8 and a draw is 15/2.

GAA GO are live streaming the game.

Prediction: Clare.

Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final: Tipperary vs Clare, Sunday, November 1st, 13:00 (Semple Stadium). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://twitter.com/TipperaryGAA/status/1320389266510368771

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