Kildare v Mayo:  The Connacht champions field a number of the senior All-Ireland finalists' panel but none of the likely starting 15. A bit like the county seniors, Mayo started their campaign very impressively with a huge win over Sligo and a memorable defeat of Galway.

The Connacht final against Roscommon wasn't so well received but it came days after the senior victory over Tyrone, which might have explained the flatness.

Mayo bring in Barry Moran, a minor from Castlebar, thought to be as reward for a fine display he gave in a challenge for the club against the under-21s. Kildare are expected to line out without their minor star Tommy Archbold, which is a loss.

Like Armagh they haven't played since winning the provincial title and may suffer from rustiness. The Leinster win over champions Dublin was impressive because they would have been disappointed not to win it the first day. But they responded well and were deserving winners in the replay.

For all their industry and unity, however, Kildare don't look as polished as Mayo, who have senior panellists scattered throughout, from Dermot Geraghty at the back to Damien Munnelly at corner forward.