GAELIC GAMES:In the last episode: This decade has seen the counties renew the game's most storied rivalry. So far it has observed the historic trend with Kerry well on top. The most recent contest was the most competitive, even allowing for Dublin's late two-goal salvo and draw in Thurles eight years ago. Dublin squandered late momentum when a lack of composure allowed Kerry slip home.

You bet: Dublin (5 to 6) are in the unusual situation of being favourites, a status they haven’t had for over 30 years going into a championship meeting with Kerry, who at 5 to 4 have been coming in, in recent days. The draw is 15 to 2 (Boylesports).

On your marks: For all the imponderables of form within Kerry’s line-up the most ambiguous line on the field is Dublin’s full-back line, only one of whom, David Henry, has championship credentials.

Gaining ground: This is expected to be Croke Park’s first full house of the season, a surprising statistic given Dublin’s march to another Leinster title. There will also be apprehension at how well the surface plays in its fourth match in two days.

Just the ticket: Two hundred tickets available on gaa.ie.

Crystal gazing: Although the air is thick with caveats and reminders of last year’s similar assumptions, all of this season’s evidence points to Dublin.

Paths to the quarter-finals

Dublin

Leinster SFC quarter-finals:

bt Meath 0-14 to 0-12

Semi-final: bt Westmeath 4-26 to 0-11

Final: bt Kildare 2-15 to 0-18

Kerry

Munster SFC semi-final:

drew with Cork 0-13 to 1-10

semi-final replay:

lost to Cork 1-17 to 0-12

All-Ireland SFC qualifiers:

Round two: bt Longford 1-12 to 0-11

Round three: bt Sligo 0-14 to 1-10

Round four: bt Antrim 2-12 to 1-10