STRANGE that there are such widely diverging expectations tar two teams separated by only two points in the League. This is more a commentary on Galways lassitude in the winter and spring gone by than on any serious prospects at an upset tomorrow.

Last year Sligo took Galway to a replay and could have won the drawn match. Even their manager PJ Carroll accepts that this was largely due to the critical lack of belief that counties like Sligo pack prominently in their bag gage. How ultimate defeat last year and relegation to Division Four this season will remedy that state at affairs is uncertain.

Even though Sligo have drafted some muscle, Galway are big enough to retain the physical hedge that so helped them last year and have apparently worked on the short passing game that discommoded Tyrone in the All Ireland semi final. Allowing for their injury worries, it's still difficult to see Galway being extended as much as 12 months ago.