GAA fanatic Keith Merchant (@kmerchant3) shares his thoughts on Sunday's All-Ireland Championship final between Dublin and Mayo.
Dublin v May | Sunday 17th September 2017, 15:30 | Sky Sports
After a long Championship campaign, it’s down to the biggest day of all when Dublin and Mayo meet in the final at GAA headquarters, Croke Park.
The two counties clash for the 15th time in the Championship with Dublin enjoying the upper hand with eight victories to Mayo’s two while there have been four draws, the most recent of which occurred last year.
Here’s the most recent five battles between the pair:
- 2016: Dublin 1-15 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland final replay)
- 2016: Dublin 2-9 Mayo 0-15 (All-Ireland final)
- 2015: Dublin 3-15 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland semi-final replay)
- 2015: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-15 (All-Ireland semi-final)
- 2013: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-14 (All-Ireland final)
- 2012: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16 (All-Ireland semi-final)
This is the first time since 1987/88 that two counties have met in the All-Ireland final in successive years. Dublin drew with Mayo in the 2015 semi-final and 2016 final before triumphing in both replays.
Dublin are attempting to win the All-Ireland for a third successive year – the first time any county would have achieved such a feat since Kerry in 1984-1986.
Mayo are seeking their first All-Ireland title success since 1951. Since then, they have played in 10 All-Ireland finals, losing eight and drawing twice.
Overview
I don't expect too much between these two teams again but there is something more ruthless and efficient about Dublin this year and I expect them to come out on top in what should be a cracking clash.
I will be disappointed if they don't get the win here and with Mayo being the only squad in recent times able to give Dublin a proper battle, it should be a enthralling encounter.
The betting angles
I’m backing Dublin to win by 1-5 points at 6/4 (Ladbrokes) – it’ll be a ferocious contest until 70 minutes and it’ll be tight, for sure.
I’m also going to be backing Lee Keegan to pick up a yellow card at anytime at 13/8 (Paddy Power); he’ll be involved in every tussle.
Dean Rock looks a great bet at 10/3 (Paddy Power) to be awarded the Man of the Match award with the Sunday game panel on RTE. This selection gives us a one in three chance of winning rather than an outright winner as I expect him to be vital to Dublin winning.
Finally, I’d just like to thank you for the many kind tweets during the season. With a bit more luck on our side we could have been even more profitable but it’s been great fun. And a shout-out my friends Paul and Colm for their invaluable advice during the season.
Best Bets
Dublin v Mayo – Dublin to win by 1-5 points (6/4 Ladbrokes)
Dublin v Mayo – Lee Keegan to collect a yellow card at anytime (13/8 Paddy Power)
Dublin v Mayo – Dean Rock to be Man of the Match (10/3 Paddy Power)
