Finbar Cullen

Offaly centre half back

"There definitely won't be a lot between these two sides and their rivalry in Leinster alone means that they will always produce a great game. I think the midfield will be one of the key advantages for Meath because in the modern game that seems to make all the difference. They'll probably have the edge there and they have also have one of the best sets of forwards in the country.

We still don't know how much Tommy Dowd will play, but if he is absent then that will be huge loss. He has such firepower that he will always make a difference.

There will be a huge responsibility on Brian Stynes and Ciaran Whelan in the Dublin midfield to keep them in touch. I think John McDermott is one of the best footballers in the country and they'll have to curb him to have any chance of breaking even. Paul Curran will also be a big loss for Dublin because he's been going so well this year and is one of the most experienced and fittest men on the team. It will be tight but I expect Meath to pull away by a couple of points towards the end."

George Doyle

Laois midfielder

"I think Meath's midfield will definitely be one of their big pluses and the one area where Dublin will simply have to match them. It was encouraging for Dublin to see Brian Stynes recovering a lot of his form but they'll need another good performance by Ciaran Whelan as well. He had an excellent day against Louth but wasn't so sharp against us, so he'll need to lift himself again.

The other big question is how well Ian Robertson will do on Darren Fay. If he comes up with a good performance here then he'll prove himself to be a truly capable forward and a great find for Dublin.

John McDermott had the unfortunate bereavement last week and it will be hard for him to focus. There is also the problem of whether Tommy Dowd will start, because he is always so inspiring for Meath.

Still, I think that if Dublin can put up a good performance in the forwards, especially Robertson, and sort out their problems in the backs I believe they can win this game."

Paddy Clarke

Louth manager

"Meath did look very impressive against Offaly but that really was a grudge match for them and I think this will be a closer contest than a lot of people expect.

Meath were on fire the last day and wanted to put Offaly in their place, but you have to wonder if they can do the same here. Strength and power, however, is still their big advantage and they have an incredible ability to steamroll over the opposition.

Dublin, though, will be extremely well prepared for this. They've had some poor moments, including the game against us, but Dublin will always be hard to beat. I think their set moves are a big factor and they'll be well organised and well motivated for this. Of course, Ian Robertson mightn't get a whole lot of ball off Darren Fay and that may be a problem.

Meath, we know, have a great defence, massive midfielders and very handy forwards and at times you would bet your house on them. I tipped them myself a while back, but having said that I still think it will be far from one-sided."

Ken Doyle

Kildare corner back

"MEATH had a particularly good display against Offaly and so far I'd have to say that their full backs and full forwards are the best I've seen all season. Still, Tommy Dowd's injury will be a big factor because he's been playing some of the best football of his career.

We've seen Dublin improve steadily this year and I believe that they are a lot better than some people rate them. They had some excellent moments in the replay against Laois and their midfield of Brian Stynes and Ciaran Whelan seems to be playing particularly good as well. If Dessie Farrell can perform also they'll certainly give Meath a good run for it.

They still have problems in the forwards, though. Jim Gavin still hasn't really performed but Ian Robertson seems to have settled well at full forward, and will certainly be a good physical match for Darren Fay. I think Jason Sherlock will be out to prove a point as well.

It's going to be a great game and even with the underdogs tag, I believe Dublin have the ability to cause an upset."

Gareth O'Neill

Louth full back

"It will be tight, as always, and I can't see much more than a kick of a ball in it by the end. So much of Meath's performance will depend on how whether John McDermott will be able to perform at his best.

Ian Robertson is playing well for Dublin up front but he does rely on the supply of ball from midfield so if that is curbed they may be in trouble. They have a great midfield as well - the real engine room of this Dublin team - and if they can hold their own then it will make all the difference.

I think Paddy Christie is playing very well also, but Paul Curran will be big loss for them in the backs. As for Tommy Dowd, well I think that if he can walk on Sunday then he'll come on at some stage, and probably get a few points as well. And you can imagine the lift that will have on the other Meath players, not to mention the supporters.

You have to fancy Meath, but I wouldn't exactly rush out and put £100 on them. Dublin know what they are up against and you can be sure they'll be ready for it."

James Stewart

Offaly half forward

"The balance and experience of this Meath team will give them an obvious advantage, and they still have so much of the strength from the 1996 winning All-Ireland side as well.

Their full forwards are especially strong, and they showed that against us. We still don't know what role Tommy Dowd will play and he is always going to be a big factor, but you still have to think that their forwards will dominate.

Dublin, I feel, are still a developing side and they might be lacking the experience for a game like this. They have problems in the forwards as well and will need to get more out of the likes of Dessie Farrell. They do have a great midfield pairing in Ciaran Whelan and Brian Stynes, who is playing exceptionally well, but you have to feel that Meath might have the edge there also. That will be a big battle, though.

If Dublin can get that big performance at midfield, then it certainly will be a hard game. But I can see Meath probably winning out by three or four points in the end."