Settled Dublin look to have the stronger hand

Looking at the teams contesting tomorrow's Leinster football final it becomes evident Dublin have become a very settled side. Laois are the opposite.

My memories of the Mick O'Dwyer era in Kerry were of a coaching philosophy that encouraged players to express themselves. Micko released the bonds. This lent itself to an entertaining, free-flowing style, in contrast to the man-to-man ethic practised so rigidly in the modern game.

This freedom of expression often meant teams lost their shape, particularly in defence. Backs were given licence to burst forward but if a turnover resulted the opposition were presented with an easy score.

This was prevalent in Laois football until Liam Kearns arrived this year. Kearns advocates the backs do their job and get the ball to the midfielders, who in turn supply the mobile, pacy forwards.

It becomes difficult for the Kearns game to be adopted by the traditional Laois player. Granted, they are athletic and skilful but they lack the natural physique to impose themselves, making the physical approach almost to their detriment. They are not designed to play a robust game.

This has contributed to Kearns constantly interchanging players. Injuries have not helped but the captain Brian McCormack is a prime example of a forward now playing at wing back. They have also struggled to find a full back. The free running Tom Kelly is not the answer. I expect Darren Rooney to revert to the edge of the square tomorrow with Kelly redeployed to his natural centre back role - he is simply not a tight-marking number three.

Constant changing of the guard is not good for a team's cohesion, never mind confidence. It can be done during the league but come championship a settled line-up is required.

There are areas where Laois will severely test Dublin, namely midfield where Brendan Quigley has really come into his own. Although still an under-21, Quigley has the benefit of time spent in Australia. He possesses the vision to move the ball quickly and to the right man.

Equally, Laois can rely on Pádraig Clancy for a wholehearted display. The manner in which he has thrived under the added responsibility of captain, allied by the fact his partner is maturing into a fine player, ensures Ciarán Whelan and Shane Ryan will be hard pressed to dominate this area.

Another Laois positive is the consistent free-taking of MJ Tierney.

After gaining sufficient rest since the Meath games (the Offaly match was a non-event) expect to see a significant improvement from the Dubs.

The management have rightfully picked the same defence once more. They have performed admirably to date, with new full back Ross McConnell given another vote of confidence. His two quality corner backs, David Henry and Paul Griffin, have made the transition to inter-county level easier.

Bryan Cullen is a fine centre back once he continues to hold the middle. There were problems last year against Mayo when Andy Moran ran him to the wings. Cullen prefers to go toe-to-toe with his man.

Problems remain in the forward unit, with Tomás Quinn cut loose in favour of the more creative Jason Sherlock. I don't expect Sherlock to be making the hard runs, à la Alan Brogan and Conal Keaney, but he does possess the rare knack of seeing an opening long before a defender. This is enhanced by his basketball background.

Bernard Brogan showed enough spark against Offaly to warrant a recall.

Considering the amount of possession they receive, the Dublin forwards need to improve their scoring return. The constant rotational system aside, Alan Brogan needs to be deployed closer to goal.

Another repetitive problem is Dublin players going off on solo runs down blind alleys. This has surely been identified by the management and ironed out on the training field in recent weeks. The lesson of movement and distribution has to be learned if Dublin are to retain their Leinster title, never mind All-Ireland aspirations.

I would favour Dublin to come out on top in a tight contest. Laois have suffered badly by their hand in recent times so they will not roll over. Liam Kearns's teams never do. However, they appear too unsettled to cause an upset. One fear for Dublin is if Ciarán Whelan's impeccably high standards fall. He has been more consistent than ever before this season, playing well in both Meath games, and invariably when Whelan plays poorly, Dublin play poorly.

Up in Ulster, Tyrone showed glimpses of their 2005 form in the demolition of Donegal. If they repeat that performance I can't see Monaghan living with them for 70 minutes.

The quick transfer of possession from the backs and cohesive forward line remains the game's most effective blueprint. The return to form of Owen Mulligan, allied to the option to introduce Stephen O'Neill, along with the development of Raymond Mulgrew on the 40, are what's making them tick.

Kevin Hughes and Seán Cavanagh are back lording it at midfield, while the captain Brian Dooher continues to cover every blade of grass. It's All-Ireland winning form.

Monaghan play a similar high intensity game and will surely learn from Donegal's lateral short passing that allowed Tyrone's swarm approach to envelop the man and turn over possession.

We had the excellent Tommy Freeman with us in Australia for the International Rules a few years back but the loss of centre forward Paul Finlay will prove costly.

The way they overcame Derry means Monaghan won't fear Tyrone but I can't see them holding pace in the last quarter.

In the qualifiers, home advantage will play a decisive role everywhere accept Celtic Park where Mayo are quietly turning the corner under John O'Mahony. Derry may have produced the performance of the championship to date in beating Armagh last week but Mayo have not become a poor team overnight.

Westmeath are a qualifier-hardened outfit and I expect them to edge past Donegal, who are still recovering from the Tyrone hammering, in Mullingar. A young Kildare team should have enough to see off a Louth side hindered by departures to America.

I'd fancy Meath to finally beat Fermanagh. The Dublin games brought them on and regardless of the Graham Geraghty saga they have enough quality to prevail. It would be good, however, to see Joe Sheridan return, although the introduction of young blood like Shane O'Rourke is a huge positive.