Dermot Earley was quite bullish in a recent newspaper article when he predicted that, not only would Kildare beat Cavan, but the All-Ireland quarter final is an attainable goal for his side.
On the evidence of the Lillywhites showing against Wicklow on 18 May, competitive football in August looked quite remote for Kieran McGeeney and his charges.
This qualifier will tell us whether or not the ship has steadied and whether Kildare can navigate the choppy waters of the qualifiers and land safely at the last-eight stage.
Cavan have been hit by defections from their panel since the loss to Armagh on 15 June. Sean Brady and Lorcan Mulvey picked up injuries in a recent challenge match with Laois, and with Nicholas Walsh as the only natural midfielder left on the panel, manager Donal Keogan has much to ponder.
His side performed admirably against Armagh in a game they never looked like winning, but Kildare are no Armagh (even though McGeeney may very well be working on it ) and the trip to Newbridge should not present any fears.
Kildare will be out for some form of redemption, while also trying to rubbish the notion that they are a soft touch. Home advantage might just see them squeeze through.
Verdict: Kildare
