All Ireland Final Preview-Dublin vs Kerry

Tens of thousands will descend on Jones' Road on the third Sunday of September, and they will all be there to witness two age old rivals go head to head for the right to raise the fabled Sam Maguire Cup. The frenzy for tickets has already begun, and every aul wan and young fella are on the lookout for a stray Hill, or Hogan, or bleedin' anywhere ticket.

The match itself promises to be a classic, because when the Dubs and the Kingdom collide it is always a match that remains etched in the memory. Cluxton's free and McManamon's goal back in 2011. Sheehy's exquisite lob in '78. Kevin Moran's barnstorming runs in '76 and '77. It is a fixture where legends are born, and this year's edition has the potential to produce yet more heroes that will forever be adored.

It is a final that is befitting of it's status as an 'All Ireland' as the two teams involved are without doubt the best the country has to offer. Both have extremely strong squads. Dublin will have the likes of Alan Brogan, Dennis Bastick and  Kevin McManamon  to choose from should things go awry for the starting fifteen, but the options possessed by the Kingdom look even stronger.

Against Mayo their bench included Paul Galvin, Bryan Sheehan, Darran O'Sullivan, Fionn Fitzgerald, Aidan O'Mahony and most worryingly of all for Dublin supporters Tommy Walsh. He has had just a brief outing in the championship so far this year, but what a weapon he is to have in reserve.Not to mention Barry John Keane.

Fitzmaurice looks to be a top class manager, as not only has he kept his squad of superstars happy, he has also developed a Kerry team that can change their style of play with ease. Tyrone looked to have them rattled in the semi final, but Kerry knew they couldn't maintain the intensity they showed early on, and even when the Ulstermen drew level in the 2nd half the result was never really in doubt. The Kerry supremo knew Tyrone would tire, and they tagged on a couple of insurance points in the closing stages to ensure the job was completed.

Kerry look to have more strings to their bow than Dublin, and the Dubs will be relying on their exciting forward line to deliver the goods. Bernard Brogan has adapted well to the inevitable loss of a yard of pace, and has countered it with a huge increase in accuracy. Diarmuid Connolly, despite a poor showing against Mayo, is probably the most naturally talented footballer bar Gooch in the country, and Kerry will need to nullify his threat.

McManamon, the ghost of All Irelands past for Kerry, is not even guaranteed a starting spot for the Dubs, but his effectiveness as an impact sub cannot be questioned. He is an admirable player. Never complains, and when he gets his chance he gives it 110%. The sort of individual a manager prays for. And his knack for scoring crucial goals is an added bonus. He is Dublin's Solskjaer.

However, even with all this explosive forward talent at their disposal Dublin look short at the back. A more clinical Mayo team would have won by 4 points in the first game. They had a succession of easy wides (Andy Moran, among others, had a couple of brutal efforts before redeeming himself) and they created plenty at times in the replay too. Cian O'Sullivan has been playing centre half back, and while there is no doubting his ability as a footballer, his suitability for the pivotal centre half back role is still in question.

In essence O'Sullivan is a midfielder, and one with natural attacking instincts too. He has done a decent job at centre half back, but it is obvious it is not his natural position.His tendency to attack leaves Dublin exposed sometimes (just ask Donegal last year), and they have missed Ger Brennan so much in that position. The St Vincents man's positional sense is second to none, and he is a huge loss for this Dublin team.

So now the vital question comes. Who is going to win? From a personal perspective I only want to see one winner. I am a Dub at the end of the day, so I would love to see them do it.

There is very little between these teams according to the bookies, and as usual they are probably right. I just hope that some of you took the 4/1 about Kerry for the All Ireland when I tipped them up earlier in the year.

At 6/5 Kerry are probably a bit skinny now, but if there are any Dubs on at 4/1 there is nothing like the consolation of a few bob when you suffer the blow of a crushing defeat!

STEVOS' SELECTION: C'MON THE DUBS!!!