Mayo travel to Tralee needing a win against a Kerry side already assured of top spot in the Allianz Football League Division 1.
The visitors will be on a high after their 12-point demolition of Dublin last week, and a similarly impressive display would surely see them into the semi-finals.
But Kerry, who have made seven changes and have included Colm Cooper for his first taste of league action this year, do not roll over for anyone and so Mayo will have to earn it.
It was somewhat surreal to watch on as Mayo took Dublin apart in Castlebar last Saturday. But as well as James Horan’s side played, the paucity of Dublin’s performance must be taken into consideration in any analysis.
Mayo hit some spectacular scores at McHale Park, but a lot of points were taken without any pressure being applied by Dublin, and the Metropolitans’ lack of discipline also undermined their hopes of taking anything from the game.
But they are Dublin’s problems, and will not worry Horan one little bit. The former Ballintubber supremo will have been delighted with how his side maintained their confidence, despite having gone into the game on the back of three straight defeats.
There were a number of excellent individual performances, with Donal Vaughan and Conor Mortimer among the best, but you don’t score 0-20 against Dublin unless everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor has taken the opportunity to freshen up his starting XV. And although it won’t be the Kingdom’s strongest side, the competition for places should ensure the hosts remain more than competitive.
Tomás Ó Sé misses out through suspension after he saw red against Laois a fortnight ago. The veteran half-back still has plenty of offer, but he cannot afford to maintain his recent poor disciplinary record.
Cooper will offer his obvious talents to the forward division, and O’Connor will hope the Dr Crokes clubman’s presence will inspire his less experienced team-mates.
The last time Kerry played in Tralee they were beaten by Armagh.
Mayo will hope that the home side’s woes at Austin Stack Park continue for at least another 70 minutes.
Verdict: Mayo
