Our panel of experts give their take on Sunday's All-Ireland final between Cork and Down.
Identify the teams’ strengths and weaknesses
Peter Canavan (Tyrone)- In terms of power and physicality, Cork have the edge, but the reason why a number of their players haven't being playing well is because the team has been unsettled. A lot of the outfield players Counihan has selected aren't great distributors of the ball. They have excellent inside forwards – Daniel Goulding, Colm O'Neill and Ciarán Sheehan — but they are not making the most of them as the half forwards are direct runners.
Johnny Doyle (Kildare)- The advantage Cork may have on Down is their physicality, especially when they play that running game, the likes of Pearse O'Neill are not big, slow cumbersome lads, they are very fast. I think if Cork are to win the likes of O'Neill and Paul Kerrigan are going to have to run. I think their midfield and half forward line is where they must attack and cause Down problems.
Kieran Donaghy (Kerry)- Both teams are very different. Cork like to carry it a lot and Down will try to soak up the pressure and hit Cork on the counter much like we did in the last 20 minutes of last year's final. We had a lead and sat back but when we turned them over we attacked quickly. When we ran at Down this year we caused them problems. Cork's strongst area is midfield so if they can win enough ball there, they will cause Down problems.
Rory O'Carroll (Dublin)- I thought we reaped the most rewards out of their full-back line. Bernard Brogan, obviously, was just exceptional and, although Eoghan O'Gara didn't actually score much, he won a lot of ball out in front. Of course, Graham Canty went off injured at half-time of the game, but the likes of Benny Coulter and Marty Clarke can cause a lot of damage in there.
Most influential player on the field?
Peter Canavan- I'd be surprised if Cork don't put a man-marker on Marty Clarke. They will be tempted, possibly, if Clarke roves out the field, to keep somebody in front of the full-forward line and double team Benny Coulter, but such is Clarke's influence that he can put quality ball in, kick it over from distance and he is the chief play-maker of the team. They need someone to follow him, yet hurt Down when Cork have possession by making him defend.
Johnny Doyle- When you talk about Down, Marty has had a huge year; you would forget he is so young. Obviously you have to mention Benny Coulter but I think Danny Hughes is their unsung hero. He does an awful lot of grafting around the half forward line, gets scores on the board. He is a key player. Throw Mark Poland and Paul McComiskey into the mix as well. If Down are to win these three players will definitely be to the fore.
Kieran Donaghy- Footballer of the year is between Marty Clarke, Benny Coulter and Bernard Brogan. If one of the Down lads has a super final I think they will get it for the simple fact they carried their team to an All-Ireland title. Danny Hughes is another huge player for Down. Marty has brought his professional knowledge into the Down set-up. He has instilled a belief in them that they could do it. I like the way he brings people into games.
Rory O'Carroll- Cork put a lot up the centre through their number 11, Pearse O'Neill, because of his strength, but you cannot underestimate Paddy Kelly. He'll run up and down the wing all day in Croke Park, which causes havoc for defences. Marty Clarke is exceptional as the Down playmaker and he must be marked out of it. If Cork can get on top of him, Down will struggle.
Who will win and why?
Peter Canavan- Cork are playing below par, but they only need to click once and the All-Ireland is theirs. But the closer we get to the final and after witnessing Down's performance against Kildare I have a feeling that Down are the team that are coming good at the right time. I think Down will come with the most confidence and perhaps arrogance and that will be enough to get them over the line.
Johnny Doyle- It is a hard one to call. Down have a few good wins along the way, while Cork are spluttering away without reaching their full potential. If they can turn on a big performance and peak on Sunday they will probably win it. Down's tradition shouldn't be a factor because what happened in 1994 shouldn't help a lad on Sunday but if they win I wouldn't be overly surprised either.
Kieran Donaghy- If you ring me 10 minutes into the game I'll give you a better answer. If Cork get a good start and Down have to chase the game I fancy Cork, but if it is tight with 20 minutes to go I really fancy Down to take it. Putting my head on the block, Cork have experienced the pain of defeat over the last few years and there are guys there who have lost a lot of finals. In a way they deserve to win one, but it is up to themselves to go out and claim it.
Rory O'Carroll- It is going to be very tight. Put a gun to my head I would say Cork. They have that little bit more experience. They haven't really got as much credit as they deserve. They are in an All-Ireland final, yet people are saying they haven't played well in any game this season, but, besides Kerry, they have managed to beat everyone. They know how to win tight games; the one against us will have brought them on a good bit.
