Marc Ó Sé blog: ‘The game will be very close’

Ahead of an exciting round of fixtures in the All Ireland Senior Championship, the Marc Ó Sé blog is back with the Ladbrokes ambassador giving his picks for the weekend’s games, including a draw between Kildare and Louth.

With Derry out of the Ulster Championship, Armagh will feel that they have a great opportunity to claim the spoils. There are still a few hurdles they will have to overcome but this match against Down is a game that they should definitely be winning. They have a better forward threat than Down have and they have the more experienced team as well to get over the line here.

Armagh to beat Down - 1/5

Glenn Ryan will know he got out of jail against Wicklow, especially when Matt Nolan had a free goal to shoot at. Had he scored, Kildare would be out of the Leinster Championship. That said a lot of things went wrong for Kildare. First the Kevin Flynn sending off, along with injuries to Mick O’Grady, Brian Byrne, and especially Daniel Flynn. 

If Glenn Ryan has those players available to him, I think we will see a much-improved performance. Louth have match winners also and having seen off Wexford comfortably, Kildare certainly won’t have things their own way here. Tommy Durnin, Ciaran Downey, and Sam Mulroy were outstanding against Wexford and it’s clear they are the real leaders of this Louth side. This game will be very close and I would not rule out a draw.

Kildare and Louth to draw - 15/2

After a poor National League campaign, Offaly have done well to beat Laois to get to a Leinster semi-final against Dublin. But that will be as far as they will go here because there is simply no way they can beat the Dubs in the form they are in.

Keith O’Neill and Dylan Hyland were excellent against Laois but they will need more scores from other players and I don’t believe they have that at the moment. The Dubs now have Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthy back. Three men looking for their tenth medal. They are not stopping here. Dublin are 10/11 to cover the 20point handicap. 

Dublin to win +16 - 1/4

Tyrone were well tested against Cavan and the question remains, how much will the extra-time have taken out of those tired legs. A week turnaround is not easy, and Donegal have had that extra day recovery which is a huge advantage. 

Donegal to their credit worked so hard against the hot favourites Derry last weekend and the Jim McGuinness factor proved vital. That extra day recovery will really help Donegal and I will back them for the win.

Donegal to beat Tyrone - 1/2

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