Each week, Kerry football great Marc Ó Sé gives his thoughts on the weekend's gaelic football games to Ladbrokes. Here are his expectations for the weekend's hotly-anticipated All-Ireland semifinal fixtures.
Kerry, Dublin, Monaghan and Derry made big statements in the All-Ireland quarterfinals.
Kerry gave Tyrone a footballing lesson and really answered the critics particularly in that midfield area. Diarmuid O’Connor gave a masterclass display and set the tone from the get-go, not to mention David Clifford’s overhead kick-out by the sideline that set up Seanie O’Shea’s goal.
Monaghan are in bonus ground now having beaten Armagh on penalties. With Conor McManus giving a performance for the ages, it looks really good for his side and they were full value for their victory.
Derry will need everything to go right against Kerry, who will need to be firing in all cylinders against that rigid, solid defence. Shane McGuigan will need to be playing at the top of his game and whilst Derry are the one team you could possibly see causing an upset, I think Kerry will prevail.
For me, it is a two-horse race between Dublin and Kerry. But the Boys in Blue edge it, with the added ability of players coming off the bench including the likes of former Footballer of the Year Jack McCaffrey and five-time All-Star Ciaran Kilkenny.
Dublin just have that something extra when it comes to the full panel. When Dublin made it six-in-a-row, it was the players on the bench that made the real difference and that is where I think they can edge it over Kerry.
