Dublin expected to overcome strong Laois challenge

The one thing both these sides have going for them is that they only need to look at the other to see how matters could have turned out worse the last day. This summer was supposed to be different in so many ways for Dublin and Laois but Galway saw them both off the premises with zero fuss, albeit in Dublin’s case following a replay.

There has been plenty of talk in Dublin in recent weeks of going back to basics. Of Liam Rushe going back to centre-back, of Conal Keaney moving to the forwards, of David Treacy dropping to the bench, of Cian Boland and Eamon Dillon starting.

Whatever the truth or otherwise of it all, it’s clear most of Ger Cunningham’s planning and scheming through the league has had to be torn up.

They face a Laois side for whom beating Offaly must seem like it happened in another era. Few expected them to beat Galway but nobody saw them getting a pasting. They don’t have the luxury of making sweeping changes .

Dublin will find it hard to score against them, especially if they don’t get on top early. These are two sides whose confidence and patience are unlikely to withstand a run of scores so it isn’t the cakewalk the bookies make it. Dublin should win it but nothing suggests they’ll walk it.

Last meeting: Leinster SHC Quarter-final, June 2nd 2012, Tullamore – Dublin 3-23 Laois 1-7
Betting: Laois 9/1, Dublin 1/10, Draw16/1
Just the ticket: Adults €15; Students & Seniors €10; U16 free
Injuries: Dublin are still without Peter Kelly but Paul Schutte has recovered. Laois have no new injuries worries.
Referee: Johnny Ryan (Tipperary)
Verdict: Dublin