Galway v Kerry

This is one of those games that tends to define what kind of league campaign both sides are likely to have.

With both teams on two points after one win in three, Sunday’s result will decide which end of the table they will be looking at between now and the end of the league proceedings.

In a way, however, neither side will be too perturbed if they don’t feature in the top two. At the same time, a relegation battle wouldn’t be on their wish lists either.

Having won a League and Championship double last year, it is understandable that Kerry have gotten off to a slow start this season.

Add the retirements of Darragh Ó Sé and Diarmuid Murphy, the loss of Tommy Walsh and Tadhg Kennelly to Aussie Rules, question marks over the return of another couple of players and the eight-week suspension for Paul Galvin, and you could easily forgive Kingdom boss Jack O’Connor if he wanted to fast forward to the end of April.

His Galway counterpart Joe Kernan needs these league games to get a handle on the squad at his disposal. The former Armagh manager has said his goal is to get a settled side as soon as possible.

He seems happy enough with his defence, but he has made three personnel changes in attack for Sunday’s game. Sean Armstong’s absence is enforced, though, as he tore his hamstring in last weekend’s defeat by Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn and is unlikely to feature again before the Championship.

Pádraic Joyce may still be on the comeback trail, but his brother Nicky was in excellent form against the Rebels and finished with 0-07 to his name.

Kernan will be hoping his changes up front, which entail the inclusion of Matthew Clancy at corner-forward, will have the required effect.

Kerry may have beaten Derry last weekend, but they are still way off their best and Galway should be able to capitalise on the All-Ireland’s champions current predicament.

Verdict: Galway