The Division 1 final of the Allianz Football League will see Derry take on Dublin at Croke Park, the match will be broadcasted live on TG4. From the outset of the league, Derry showcased clear potential, fielding players from Glen’s All-Ireland winning club just days after the club final during their opening match against Kerry in Tralee, which they won, albeit narrowly.
When Dublin came to Celtic Park earlier this year, Derry’s manager decided to bench his team. He later clarified that the decision was taken to give rest to players whose contribution would not have guaranteed victory.
As we reach the one year anniversary of their peculiar Division 2 final (where Dublin won 4-6 to 0-11 scoring four goals in the second half), both teams return to the premier stage. Suffice to say, a lot has transpired since then, including Derry’s managerial shift; now under the mentorship of Harte, in place of Rory Gallagher, whereas Dublin hold the title of All-Ireland champions.
The teams have been the undisputed frontrunners this league. Derry has demonstrated remarkable resilience even when underpowered during their match against Dublin’s dynamic performance, which picked up following initial losses.
A pivotal point of contention however, is whether Dublin’s track record this season has been boosted by lacklustre competition. Derry, on the other hand, has consistently showcased commendable offensive skills from the deep, and only lost once. Their corner back, Conor McCluskey, with his perfect timing and execution has netted three goals, one of them against Dublin.
Dublin’s loss was a bitter pill for Dessie Farrell to swallow, resulting in a heightened focus on defence, a strategy which has visibly paid off. It remains to be seen whether this defensive approach will affect the sway of Shane McGuigan who has been a scoring juggernaut in the past with his unmatched ball-handling skills.
With Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers in the midfield, Derry is set to present a challenge to Brian Fenton and his teammate in terms the duo hasn’t often faced in recent matches.
Glass has been demonstrating notable versatility, retrieving the ball effectively and scoring with aplomb. The teams, however, may not manage to maintain their devastating tactics as effortlessly this time around. Will the Dublin forwards be able to apply enough pressure to make the offensive sprints more challenging for the opposing defenders?
In the All-Ireland championship, the reigning champions in Derry attempted to ramp up the pressure, but their conversion rate left a lot to be desired, and Harte’s team remained competitive for the majority of the match. Dublin should be credited, faced with a considerably strengthened team after half-time due to the introduction of Paul Cassidy, Eoin McEvoy, and Ethan Doherty. Yet, they managed to tighten their grip even further in the second half.
The major concern is to what extent Derry will succeed in hampering Dublin’s recent form with its fluid movement, voracious dispossession and clinical counter-strikes.
It’s unthinkable that Dublin could exploit the kind of opportunities that characterised the demolition of Tyrone. If the match becomes more of a slog, will Dublin improve their chances of creating and capitalising on scoring opportunities than they did at Celtic Park, even with a strong advantage in possession?
Dublin have an assertiveness about them suggesting they won’t be readily disrupted. The exceptional performances of senior players such as Fenton, Ciarán Kilkenny (who was man-of-the-match at Celtic Park) and Con O’Callaghan often shroud the efforts of their teammates.
Take Niall Scully, who seems to have rediscovered his dynamic best, all the while keeping up his knack for menacing sprints. Colm Basquel was on top form last week, and the contributions of Lorcan O’Dell and Ross McGarry have meant that Farrell is faced with tough decisions about team selection.
It’s uncertain whether form will shift enough this weekend for Derry to come out as victors.
Our prediction: Dublin.