Mayo v Galway
All football people west of the Shannon need to see a high standard of football tomorrow, because the Connacht championship hasn't set the world alight this year. Granted, Leitrim and Sligo have made headway, but their best football has come in the qualifiers.

Mayo go into the game as favourites. They disposed of Roscommon, in Hyde Park, far more comprehensively than Galway's shaky dismissal of Leitrim at home. From that point of view it looks clear-cut, especially considering Galway are in transition whereas Mayo have the experience of falling short at the final hurdle last year.

This transitional period in Galway has been caused by the retirements of Gary Fahy and Kevin Walsh, while Seán Óg De Paor and Richie Fahy are only coming back from injury. Five of the All-Ireland under-21 winning side have been promoted. Sunday is going to be the big test for these lads, particularly the midfield pairing of Barry Cullinane and Niall Coleman, who did very well in the under-21 championship and more than held their own against Leitrim. However, the real acid test depends on how they cope with the intense pressure of a provincial final in Pearse Stadium.

The midfield battle will have wider implications, as it was the Cullinane and Coleman partnership that ensured the forwards had enough ball to get past Leitrim.

For Mayo, Ronan McGarrity will be expected to supply the leadership and mobility in the absence of David Brady. A lot off people would argue the Ballina duo should still form midfield at this level, but Shane Fitzmaurice fills the breech instead.

Another key aspect is how the rejigged Galway defence shapes up. Peter Ford has moved Paul Clancy to centre back, where he played last year, after a spell in the forwards. Then there is another rookie at full back in Finian Hanley. He must cope with the physicality of Billy Joe Padden, who has released Trevor Mortimer into a free role.

There still must be significant contributions from the more established Galway players like Michael Donnellan, Padraic Joyce and Derek Savage. The side must blend together, and that can only happen if the hunger is still there.

For Mayo, the main question is have last year's failings been fully addressed? It's worrying Keith Higgins, the defensive find over the league, is absent with a dislocated elbow, leaving them with the same full back line that came up short against Kerry in the All-Ireland final. Joyce and Michael Meehan will ask the serious questions here.

If there is life in Galway's challenge, the hurt from last year will come out tomorrow.

Mayo are a better bet to go further in the championship but, despite the loss of Joe Bergin to injury, I see a Galway upset materialising on home soil.