Plenty of talking points as Louth look to dethrone the Dubs

There is plenty of places where the Leinster Final could be won and lost. The first few pages of this story became apparent on Friday morning when the team news for both teams was revealed. A breakdown of the changes can be found below.

Louth and Dublin name their teams for Leinster Final

Ahead of this massive game, there is plenty of debates and possible angles which will be discussed on the sidelines of pitches, in the clubhouses, on the streets or down the local in the lead up to the date with the Dubs.

Let’s take a look at some of those talking points here, to give readers some thoughts to ponder ahead of the 1:45PM throw in on Sunday at Croke Park.

The Midfield Battle

Conor Early and Tommy Durnin have been a great pairing at the centre of the field, with Durnin’s heroics in the semi-final win over Offaly earning him a place in the GAA Team of the Week. But On Sunday, they face into their stiffest test to date. Brian Fenton and James McCarthy.

This going to be a huge test of the Louth duo’s metal, as these are players used to producing the goods at the top level. Give them a platform and you’re putting extra pressure on the Louth defenders.

There to help out will be Conor Grimes, a player who has thrived since being utilised in this new role. If not winning prime possession, he will be there to back up Durnin and Early. Whether they need an extra body to stop the Dub’s breaking at speed or someone to pick up a loose ball. Not forgetting his immense fielding ability.

The Keepers

Stephen Cluxton was a surprise addition to the matchday panel for Louth’s meeting with Dublin in the league. And it was his presence on the bench that ended up overshadowing the result itself.

He is back in the number 1 shirt, having returned to the role after a long absence in the win over Kildare. He is sure to offer plenty of leadership in the Dublin dressing room.

And his accurate kick outs, often taken quickly and short, will mean Louth need to be alert at all times or risk a quick counter attack catching them off guard.

But down the other end of the field you will have another veteran in James Califf. He has made the goalkeeper position his own in recent seasons, having been converted to a role between the sticks after a successful career as an outfield player.

His importance to the Louth cause was seen in just how much he was missed earlier this year. Fellow outfield converts Declan Byrne and Peter McStravick tried to bring the same levels, but failed when it came to the keeper fundamentals.

Mickey Harte expects his Number 1 to be a great shotstopper, deliver reliable kickouts and be available as a passing option up the field too. You can be sure Califf will be up there amongst the action on Sunday.

But it his kickouts that will need to be bang on too. Earlier in the year Louth were turned over far too often from their own restarts. A similar problem and Dublin are sure to punish Louth at every opportunity.

Potent Benches

Louth might be seen as defense first team, and they are sure to be on the conservative side against Dublin, but that doesn’t mean the forwards won’t have a huge role to play. And there was probably a few headaches over who starts.

Craig Lennon might not be starting as often as he would like too, but when getting a chance off the bench he has always looked a threat. Look no further than his goal against Meath back in the National League. What a great option to have if in reserve, should you need a big moment in the second half.

Ciaran Downey, Conor Grimes and Sam Mulroy all got the nod to start on Sunday, but that leaves plenty of options in attack for Mickey Harte. The likes of Ciaran Keenan, Dylan McKeown, Paul Matthews and Ryan Burns. Just some of the names who will be itching to feature in some capacity. 

But Dublin also have options from the substitute bench. Players that are seasoned All Ireland winners and will be a danger to the Louth cause. The likes of Dean Rock, Brian Howard, Jack McCaffrey and Niall Scully. 

Modern day football is never about one man, but the team as a whole. Defenders need to be able to attack. Forwards able to make big tackles. With this in mind, fresh legs will be vital in keeping up the workrate. But whose bench will cause the bigger impact?