LEINSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL REPLAY: Laois v Meath:THE DECISION of both Meath manager Eamonn O'Brien and Laois counterpart Seán Dempsey to announce unchanged teams from last Sunday's draw perhaps suggests both are confident of finishing off the job this time, although it remains to be seen if they do actually start unchanged.
Certainly Laois made some vital switches the last day, namely the introduction of forwards Pádraig Clancy, MJ Tierney and John O’Loughlin – who hit 0-7 between them – and there’s no doubt they’ll see game time this afternoon.
Clancy and Tierney still aren’t 100 per cent fit, but the former’s introduction at full forward last Sunday proved vital, not only in giving Laois a target man, but releasing Donie Kingston for a more effective role out the field.
Brian Meade remains in midfield for Meath due to Nigel Crawford’s ongoing back problem, with Kevin Reilly again at full back, and Anthony Moyles at wing back.
Joe Sheridan is again named at centre forward despite lining out the last day at full forward, with Shane O’Rourke in the corner.
LAOIS: M Nolan; P O'Leary, M Timmons, P McMahon; C Healy, C Ryan, C Begley; B Quigley, K Meaney; B Sheehan, C Rogers, D Strong; P Cahillane, D Kingston, R Munnelly.
MEATH: P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, K Reilly, E Harrington; A Moyles, M Burke, C King; B Meade, M Ward; S Kenny, J Sheridan, G Reilly; C Ward, S O'Rourke, S Bray.
Referee: M Condon (Waterford).
In the Last Episode
– Last Sunday, when Laois fought bravely back twice, first in normal time, and again in extra-time, to force the replay – although Laois won the previous two meetings, in 2006 and 2004, with Meath winning their qualifier clash in 2002.
You Bet– Ladbrokes.com are offering odds of Meath 8/13; Draw 15/2; Laois 13/8.
On Your Marks– Laois can't afford to be as slow to start as last Sunday, when they were down 1-4 to 0-3 after 15 minutes.
Gaining Ground– Laois won't want a repeat of their last championship performance in O'Connor Park, where in last summer's Leinster semi-final they were beaten out the gate by Kildare, 2-18 to 0-9.
Just The Ticket– Available at the ground: Stand €20; Terrace €15. Family tickets one Adult and 2 children. Stand: €20 Children €5 each; Terrace: Adults €15 Children €3 each; Students and Senior Citizens: € 10 rebate on stand and € 5 rebate on terrace.
Crystal Gazing– Nothing too clear emerging here other than Meath's apparently stronger forward line doing just a little more this time to deliver the win.
