Meath v Laois:IF FORM, experience, confidence and tradition counts for anything here, then Meath should win out comfortably enough. It just mightn't be that straightforward. Meath definitely have more going for them but Laois are still going to take some beating.
What Meath definitely have is a team proven to be in good shape by their first round win over Offaly and strengthened by the return of defender Kevin Reilly, who makes his first competitive start in a year after recovering from a back injury.
Anthony Moyles thus switches to his preferred centre back role and defensively that makes Meath an even more challenging prospect.
It’s up front they’ll expect to present Laois with an even greater challenge, with Joe Sheridan, Shane O’Rourke and Cian Ward all capable of picking up where they left off against Offaly – and that tally of 1-15 between them. Mark Ward and Nigel Crawford also look to given Meath an edge at midfield.
So how then can Laois pull off the upset? Former Glasgow Celtic trial-player Paul Cahillane leads the new-look attack and is under pressure to make a mark, alongside fellow under-21 Donie Kingston, especially with MJ Tierney injured.
In defence Laois do have potential, particularly Padraig McMahon and Colm Begley, although it’s asking an awful for them to hold back the Meath forward line.
LAOIS: M Nolan; P O’Leary, M Timmons, P McMahon (captain); C Healy, C Ryan, C Begley; B Quigley, K Meaney; B Sheehan, C Rogers, D Strong; P Cahillane, D Kingston, R Munnelly.
MEATH: P O’Rourke; C O’Connor, K Reilly, E Harrington; M Burke, A Moyles, Caomhin King; N Crawford, M Ward; S Kenny, J Sheridan, G Reilly; C Ward, S O’Rourke, S Bray.
Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).
In the Last Episode: Laois have won the last two against Meath; their qualifier in 2006, and the Leinster semi-final in 2004, although Meath won the three before that.
You Bet:Meath's favourites tag is well reflected here at odds of 4/9, with the draw at 15/2 and Laois outsiders at 12/5.
On Your Marks: Sometimes too much is made of having a championship match under your belt, but it should definitely stand to Meath tomorrow.
Gaining Ground: Traditionally Croke Park is where Meath play their best football, but Laois did buck that trend by beating them in Croke Park in 2004.
Just The Ticket: Stand Tickets: (No Concession) €25 Hill 16 (No Concessions); €15 Family tickets (Cusack and Davin Stand Only, one adult and two children). Adults €25, Children €5; Students and Senior Citziens (Cusack and Davin Stand only) €10 rebate with appropriate ID.
Crystal Gazing: Yes Meath do emerge as the most likely winners but not before being well tested and possibly even been given a good scare by Laois.
