SHC QUALIFIERS:THIS IS almost a no-win match for Galway, which might seem surprising given the county's record against Cork is poor in historical terms and at no stage are they more vulnerable than when heavy favourites as they are this evening.
Win and it will be regarded as of limited significance; lose and it's a disaster. The management of Ger Loughnane is at a crossroads here - should the championship end here it's impossible to see him staying on.
Galway are also playing one of the great sides of the decade, but with curious symmetry, given that their emphatic win over the same opposition in 2002 helped kick-start events that led to a period of prosperity for Cork and two All-Irelands, they may be about to bring down the curtain on that side.
It's impossible to be categorical about this because end of eras don't announce themselves. On top of that, although the performance against Dublin was poor, Cork will surely raise their game against one of the perceived front-runners for the championship.
Then there is the fact Galway themselves don't look particularly settled. There are injury concerns about Fergal Moore and if he comes through the test, concerns about playing him at full back for all that he is an admirable corner back or wing back.
Galway's practice match in Thurles a week ago unveiled David Forde as a potential full back even though it's hard to imagine how easily full backs can be manufactured a week before a big championship match.
One element of Galway's defence that is unreservedly good news is the return of Ollie Canning this season. He could play full back on Joe Deane if that's the way the cards fall and his organising presence at the back marks a significant benefit to the team.
But Loughnane hasn't been that lucky with injuries. Alan Kerins suffered concussion in Thurles last week and was hospitalised. Ger Farragher misses out having been injury-curtailed against Laois.
Cork's problems have been that the attempt at rebuilding the side in the forwards had to be abandoned and Gerald McCarthy names six of the team that won the 1999 All-Ireland, which even allowing for a young team is no great sign of burgeoning talent.
Cork nonetheless still have their half backs and if they can establish a platform here, it will greatly complicate Galway's task.
Loughnane's selected half forwards don't inspire immediate confidence given Kevin Hayes' sheer lack of match-time and Adrian Cullinane's relative inexperience in that line of the field. Then again there could be a major shuffle before the match starts, although that was specifically one of the stunts Loughnane was asked to go easy on after last year.
Galway's major causes for optimism lie with a mobile defence and Joe Canning at full forward.
He won't mind going toe-to-toe with Diarmuid O'Sullivan and whereas Brian Murphy could be asked to do the job, Cork might prefer to leave as is given that pace is the one card Canning doesn't have in his formidable hand.
CORK:D Óg Cusack; S O'Neill, D O'Sullivan, B Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Óg Ó hAilpín; J O'Connor, T Kenny; P Cronin, N McCarthy, T McCarthy; B O'Connor, J Deane, C Naughton.
GALWAY:J Skehill; D Joyce, F Moore, O Canning; S Kavanagh, J Lee, D Forde; F Healy, R Murray; I Tannian, K Hayes, A Cullinane; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.
Referee:B Kelly (Westmeath).
Cork v Galway
Today, Thurles
Throw-in - 7pm Live on RTÉ 2
GUIDELINES
In the last episode:The two haven't met in the championship since the 2005 All-Ireland final when Cork varied their tactics to survive a fourth-quarter comeback. Six years ago they met in the qualifiers and Galway won easily.
You bet:Cork are outsiders at 17 to 10 to win with Galway clear favourites at 4 to 7 and the draw at 9 to 1. On the handicap Galway (-2) are evens as are Cork (+2).
On your marks:Among the fluctuating selections on the Galway team is Kevin Hayes, back in at centre forward having apparently being deemed surplus stock at the start of the season.
He did, however, have a great All-Ireland in 2005 and maybe the hope is he can pick up on that form.
Gaining ground:Thurles is a ground Cork are happy to play, but it was the venue for the defeat in 2002 by Galway. Otherwise, it's not a particularly happy ground for Galway, who have sustained a few beatings there from Kilkenny.
Just the ticket:Covered Stand tickets are available at €25, uncovered at €20 and terrace at €15. Concessions will be on sale and children under-16 are free.
Crystal gazing:Galway have to win, and should do so.
