Leinster MF Semi-final: The scene is set for a thriller: both sides are returning to the ground (Dr Cullen Park, 7.30) that hosted last year's All-Ireland final replay. For Laois, it was another great day in their recent burgeoning football tradition, while for Dublin it was another minor title that slipped away in nightmarish fashion.

Dublin will be hungry for revenge but they come up against a Laois side with seven of last year's side on duty tonight, making the challenge facing Tony Diamond's charges massive.

In particular, the full-forward line of Michael Tierney, Donal Brennan and David Conway will be difficult to contain. Brennan will be the main threat. He tore Dublin apart in last year's replay and Mick O'Dwyer duly included the lightweight attacker in the senior panel this year, despite the fact he was still at school. The excellent midfield axis of Brendan Quigley and captain Craig Rogers, are also in their second stint at this level, as is centre back Colin Begley.

Everything seems primed for another big scalp but Laois manager Seán Dempsey refused to talk of a Leinster final with Kildare just yet: "They are on a par, in terms of commitment anyway, with last year's team. The seven returning players are doing really well and have taken on the role of senior players in the panel. They have proved they can do it but the other eight have not. They must show they are good enough."

Dublin captain Kevin Moran is named on the bench after sustaining an ankle injury, while dual players (there are seven) Keith Nolan (glandular fever) and Willie Lowry (ankle) are ruled out. Paddy Andrews is also injured and Alan Hubbard will undergo a late fitness test.

Laois can expect plenty of vociferous support and, if their potential is realised, they should have plenty to cheer about. Dublin are facing their toughest test of their young careers.

DUBLIN (MF v Laois): M Savage; A Hubbard, D Reilly, J McCaffrey; J O'Brien, R Fitzgerald, I Kavanagh; P Flynn, M McAuley; D Connolly, T Diamond, M Hallows; B Kelly, T Brady, R Cleere.

Laois (MF v Dublin): E Culliton; C Healy, M Timmons, B Meredith; K Smith, C Begley, N Donagher; B Quigley, C Rogers; E Butler, I Fleming, S O'Leary; M Tierney, D Brennan, D Conway.