Lee Keegan is leaning towards Mayo as favourites in their championship clash this Sunday against Galway, although he isn't entirely convinced.
Both Galway and Mayo failed to top their groups, meaning that they entered the preliminary quarter finals, and luck would have it that the two rivals drew each other.
This isn't only a battle of Connacht, but is easily the biggest game of the championship so far, as both teams were tipped as favourites to win the Sam Maguire this season.
After an impressive start throughout the league and championship, it all looked smooth sailing for Pauric Joyce and Kevin McStay, however, whether it was complacency, fatigue, or naivety, both sides have fell off the pace.
Keegan had soldered for Mayo for years, so he knows better than most what brings out the best in his old team, and although he isn't completely convinced, the flying half-back tips the scales in favour of AidanO'Shea and Co.
“From a Mayo perspective, I can't say I'm blissfully confident but I believe the group are good enough to win," Keegan said in his RTE Sport column.
"One argument in Mayo's favour is how strongly they tend to show up when the lifelines and the safety nets are removed.
"We performed well in the two Covid championships, beating Galway two years running in those circumstances.
“Certainly, if (Sean) Kelly and (Damien) Comer are out, that swings the pendulum in Mayo's favour. Personally, I hope they're fit.
"I wouldn't like to win with caveats. Let both teams play their best XV and go toe-to-toe. I would hesitantly back Mayo by a point or two.
“Whether the unwelcome detour and the increasingly attritional nature of their run will damage their credibility as All-Ireland contenders, that's for the following week. It can't help, either way.”
This week on the GAA Hour, Shane Walsh was in studio to discuss last weekend's action as the two lads looked ahead for this bonanza of a schedule.
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"I wouldn't like to win with caveats. Let both teams play their best XV and go toe-to-toe. I would hesitantly back Mayo by a point or two.
“Whether the unwelcome detour and the increasingly attritional nature of their run will damage their credibility as All-Ireland contenders, that's for the following week. It can't help, either way.”
This week on the GAA Hour, Shane Walsh was in studio to discuss last weekend's action as the two lads looked ahead for this bonanza of a schedule.
Related links:
