GAELIC GAMES:THERE IS an encouraging context here for those looking for an upset. Twenty years ago an Offaly team on the rise and with a newly acquired league title were shocked by Dublin. With the roles reversed this weekend, the midlanders will hope to reciprocate.
More recently, a year ago, Offaly came up against a hotly favoured Galway side, also newly garlanded league winners, and were very unlucky not to beat them in a drawn match.
But, realistically, it’s very hard to see how Offaly can work that sort of magic again.
They played Dublin in the league in March and were well beaten with a team that, if no stronger than tomorrow’s, certainly wasn’t hugely weaker.
The side that scared Galway 12 months ago has been asset-stripped by injury – six of that side unavailable – and even with the resources to dig a bit deeper than Offaly can, any county would be in trouble.
By mitigation, Dublin are short their defensive spine of Tomás Brady and Joey Boland, but they have the ability to shuffle things around, as demonstrated against Kilkenny when Liam Rushe dropped to centre back.
The big issue for Offaly is how to deal with a Dublin attack that has been able from match to match to rely on different forwards for decisive scoring contributions.
A result for Offaly would set new standards for the county’s resilience – and for Dublin’s problems in putting away manifestly weaker teams.
In the last episode: The counties' last championship meeting was four years ago in the qualifiers when Offaly were comfortable winners 2-25 to 2-13 in Tullamore.
You bet: Dublin untouchable at 1/4, Offaly 4/1 and the draw is 10/1.
On your marks:The news that Rory Hannify has had to withdraw from the Offaly team with a fractured wrist is yet another trial for Offaly's put-upon manager "Job" Dooley.
So much of Dublin's dynamic play in the league final came through Ryan O'Dwyer at centre forward (he also scored 2-2 from full forward in the counties' league fixture), and Hannify would have had the physique and the hurling for the task.
Gaining ground: Dublin's recent good run at Croke Park puts a bit of distance between the team and last year's horror show against Antrim. Offaly, for their part, haven't won a championship match at headquarters for seven years.
Just the ticket:Stand tickets (€25 – no concessions in Hogan), Family tickets for the Cusack and Davin stands (adults €25 and children €5). Terrace (€15 – no concessions). Students and OAPs can get €10 rebate. Details of group discounts available on leinster.gaa.ie
Crystal gazing: Dublin have to translate their new-found status into championship delivery and should do so tomorrow.
