Marc Ó Sé blog: National Football League Round Two Predictions
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The Marc Ó Sé blog is back for another week, with the Ladbrokes ambassador giving his predictions for the round two fixtures of the National Football League.
Marc Ó Sé blog
I was impressed with Mayo last weekend in Pearse Stadium, especially how they mastered the elements of the weather. Galway were down a number of key starters, most notably Damien Comer. But it has to be said…Mayo were missing some key players also. Fergal Boland’s performance will be something Kevin McStay will be really happy with. Aidan O’Shea gave a solid performance and Eoin McLaughlin, David McBrien, and Paddy Durcan were constantly attacking from defence. Mayo will take huge confidence from this away win and they will not fear All-Ireland champions Dublin coming to MacHale Park. Dublin will be disappointed having lost their opening round tie to Monaghan and Dessie Farrell will be hoping for a huge improvement on Saturday. He will also hope to get a few key players starting this game. Maybe the likes of James McCarthy in particular who came on as a substitute last weekend. This in my view will be a tight game but I fancy Mayo for a home win at even money.
This will be a great battle in my view. Monaghan surprised us last weekend at Croke Park and the performance of Stephen O’Hanlon was worth the entrance fee alone. He had a huge influence on the game so Kerry will have to keep a close eye on him. Mental toughness is something I have always associated with Monaghan teams and this team is no different. They are never beaten and Kerry will have to bring their big guns if they are to get over the line for this one. Kerry will be pleased with their second half performance against Derry but I always found Clones and that said Monaghan in general a really difficult place to go and get a win. I will go with a home win here and back Monaghan at 2/1.
Galway were dealt a huge blow last weekend against Mayo when Damien Comer was ruled out before the game with an injury. Galway were missing quite a number of players and this was clear to be seen. The introduction of Mattie Tierney and Paul Conroy were brought on during the course of the game so expect those players to possibly start. They will need those players if they are to beat Roscommon because they are down long term injuries to Sean Kelly, Cillian McDaid, and Liam Silke who for me are their main stars along with Damien Comer and Shane Walsh. Roscommon have beaten Galway already this year in the FBD Final and I expect a similar result here at Hyde Park.
This has all the ingredients of a mouth-watering tie with many of Mickey Harte’s former troops making the journey to his new team at Celtic Park.
Derry will be delighted to have picked up two points away to Kerry last weekend and with the boys from Glen having togged out for them, it was a huge boost. That said some of their players will be playing Sigerson football midweek so expect fatigue to set in but that will also be for some of the Tyrone players. The two stand out forwards in the country (with the exception of David Clifford) Darragh Canavan and Shane McGuigan will go head-to-head. I reckon whichever defence can keep those players quiet can win. For me I think Derry will have just a bit too much for the Tyrone players on the day so I will back Derry for the win.
All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
