Kevin McStay believes that Galway possess more x-factor in their team than Mayo, but the Croke Park advantage should swing the provincial decider in favour of his fellow countymen.
Originally fixed for Elverys MacHale Park - the counties have a lengthy tradition of home and away arrangements - the final has been moved to the Dublin venue to allow a bigger crowd, of up to 18,000, to attend.
The counties went in opposite directions in the league – effectively swapping places in Division 1 and 2 after Galway's relegation – and enjoyed comfortable paths to the Connacht decider, the Tribesmen getting past Roscommon with Mayo putting big scores on Sligo and Leitrim.
Padraic Joyce’s side will be looking to avenge defeat at the same stage last year and with captain Shane Walsh overcoming his niggle at the end of the semi-final, Damien Comer back fully fit, Paul Conroy pulling the strings in the middle third, Matthew Tierney starring in his debut from placed balls and Paul Kelly displaying his prowess in front of goals, the Tribesmen are quietly confident of advancing to an All-Ireland semi-final.
Mayo manager James Horan will be glad that Lee Keegan and Diarmuid O'Connor are fit again, while Aidan O’Shea has begun the season like he means business.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, former Mayo forward and Roscommon manager McStay said that the hackneyed cliché of there traditionally being so little between the sides – should Galway prevail they will join Mayo on 47 provincial titles – rings especially true in this fixture.
He feels however the decision to stage the game at GAA headquarters could prove decisive for Horan’s men, who have enjoyed many more outings at the venue than their neighbours.
"I was really surprised [the game was moved to Croke Park], but when I drilled down a bit more, I found out it was the Connacht Council’s decision," he said.
"That could be the small differential. In a lot of other aspects they are very well matched.
"Galway have more x-factor than Mayo, but x-factor isn’t the most reliable piece of championship armour you can have, but they have a lot of good players.
"If a lot of those guys were to hit form, that would not be good news for Mayo, but I think the venue will probably push it to Mayo by a point or two."
Watch Mayo v Galway live on RTÉ One or RTÉ Player from 1pm, followed by Kerry v Cork, live on RTÉ2 or RTÉ Player from 3.30pm.
Watch highlights of all the weekend's action on The Sunday Game at 9.30pm on RTÉ One.
