Dublin v Meath
Friday, 18 April 2008 11:34Quite clearly the tie of the round, though there are those who feel that this meeting of old foes should have opened the season under lights at Croke Park, rather than concluding it in the tight confines of Parnell Park.
Dublin's defeat to Armagh has given Meath a chance of a place in the Division 2 final and promotion, and the opportunity to achieve those things at the expense of their neighbours will be a huge incentive for the Royals.
Colm Coyle's men had a sluggish start to their campaign, but their win over Armagh will have boosted confidence.
They will also remember how they pushed the Metropolitans to the pin of their collars before Paul Caffrey's men progressed after a replay in last year's Leinster Championship.
Given the importance of the game, one can expect it to be played at a Championship pace and for Caffrey and Coyle to field - as close as they can - their preferred Championship sides.
The Dubs will not have Alan Brogan available to them as a result of his sending off in Crossmaglen last week.
Caffrey has insisted he does not preside over a dirty side, but he must surely have been miffed to see his captain receive a straight red, especially as the St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh clubman had only been introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes to go.
Discipline will be hugely important, as this fixture invariably throws up one or two scuffles.
If the Dubs can keep their heads and channel their disappointment from the Armagh result in the correct manner, they should seal the deal.
Verdict: Dublin
