Kerry proven performers in the heat and pace of battle

GAA SFC KERRY v GALWAY:IT COMES as a bit of a shock to realise that Galway have been absent from Croke Park for as long as they have. Viewed from the perspective of the Connacht champions' free-flowing attacking play earlier in the year and the upbeat vibes from the camp this might have been a feasible opportunity for Liam Sammon's team, particularly given Kerry's uncertain form.

Reality, however, intrudes obstreperously. The stage at which Galway's progress was re-assessed came in the League last April when Kerry came to visit and recorded the sort of uncomplicated victory that seemed to emphasise their credentials for a third successive All-Ireland and place in context Galway's spring form.

Granted the teams are different this afternoon and the League isn't always a reliable indicator of what happens in championship, but the problems for Galway then don't look any closer to solution. The attack struggled with Marc Ó Sé holding Michael Meehan to a point and none of the forwards managing more than that from play.

Most striking was the lack of competitive ability at centrefield where Darragh Ó Sé and Séamus Scanlon - today's Kerry pairing - were able to put in a low-gear display and still dominate.

Former manager John Tobin points out that despite being wiped out at centrefield and starved of chances Galway could have taken the lead in the closing 10 minutes had Matthew Clancy not hit the woodwork and it's a valid point of view even if Kerry also missed chances.

But since then the teams have moved in opposite directions in terms of personnel. Kerry have lost captain Paul Galvin but he wasn't playing that day anyway and manager Pat O'Shea is able to start Colm Cooper and Declan O'Sullivan in attack as well as bring in Tommy Walsh, who was tied up with the under-21s during the League, after his promising senior debut last week.

Full back Finian Hanley has in the past played well on Kieran Donaghy and held him scoreless when they faced each other four months ago but had goalkeeper Paul Doherty to thank for not shipping heavier damage.

Diarmuid Blake's return strengthens the defence but there is a question mark over how physical Galway can make it for their opponents in that it's not their game to press and harass.

The loss of Joe Bergin at centrefield would appear to rule out a radical improvement in the area for Galway, whereas Kerry have great options if they're misfiring there, with Tommy Griffin on the bench and Donaghy available if needed.

Aidan O'Mahony has been named for Kerry after last week's injury scare and even if claims of his recovery have been exaggerated the champions are also well covered at centre back where Tomás Ó Sé or Killian Young can slot in if required.

This ability to interchange contrasts with Galway's shrunken options. Injuries to Damien Dunleavy, Nickey Joyce, Declan Meehan and Seán Armstrong have slashed Sammon's options in attack. Páraic Joyce has had some fantastic days at Croke Park and is a leading All Star contender this season, but he's unlikely to have the same time and space on the ball that he's enjoyed to date.

Kerry mightn't have looked world beaters last weekend but they were composed and efficient and are well practised in the heat and pace of this level of championship.

GALWAY:P Doherty; G Bradshaw, F Hanley, D Burke; N Coyne, D Blake, G Sice; B Cullinane, M Lydon; C Bane, P Joyce, P Conroy; M Clancy, M Meehan, F Breathnach.

KERRY:D Murphy; M Ó Sé, T O'Sullivan, P Reidy; T Ó Sé, A O'Mahony, K Young; D Ó Sé, S Scanlon; D Walsh, C Cooper, T Walsh; B Sheehan, K Donaghy, D O'Sullivan.

Referee:Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

GUIDELINES GALWAY v KERRY (today, live on RTÉ 1, 4pm)

In the last episode:Galway's otherwise reasonable record against Kerry has worsened this decade with defeats in the 2000 final repeat and the quarter-finals two years later. There have also been a couple of NFL finals in 2004 and '06, also won by Kerry.

You bet:Kerry are 3/10 to win with Galway at 10/3 with the draw at 10/1. On the handicap Galway (+4) are available at 5/6, Kerry (-4) at 11/10.

On your marks:Colm Cooper's vision and skill makes him a great creator and orchestrator but his greatest potential for damage is still close to goal as a finisher. Monaghan's aggressively tight marking seemed to knock him off his stride. Galway need to replicate that claustrophobia.

Gaining ground:Since Galway last appeared in the championship at Croke Park just over four years ago Kerry have played 12 All-Ireland matches at the venue, losing just one - the 2005 All-Ireland - to Tyrone.

Just the ticket:Stands €35. Terrace €15. Concessions (accompanied juveniles, students with ID and senior citizens) available for Cusack and Davin Stands at €3.

Crystal gazing:With Kerry improving nicely Galway really needed a full hand to play this for a shock. Their extensive injury list effectively knocks that on the head.