Clifford Leads Kerry into Crucial Clash with Armagh as League Finals Loom
Kerry’s star forward David Clifford is set to feature in Saturday’s Allianz Football League Round 7 encounter against Armagh, a match that could secure the Kingdom’s place in the Division 1 final. Manager Jack O’Connor has named an unchanged side from last week’s impressive victory over Mayo, signaling confidence in the team’s current form.
Armagh Fight for Survival
The stakes are high for Armagh, who are battling to avoid relegation. A remarkable comeback win against Dublin last week, overturning an 11-point deficit, has given Kieran McGeeney’s side a lifeline. Yet, they need a win against Kerry, coupled with a Dublin defeat to Galway, to guarantee their Division 1 status for another year.
Dublin’s Fate Rests on Multiple Outcomes
Dublin face a challenging trip to Galway, knowing a four-point victory will secure their safety. Anything less will abandon their fate in Kerry’s hands. Ger Brennan’s team has been forced into one change, with Ciarán Kilkenny replacing the injured Luke Breathnach.
Galway Seek to Avoid the Drop
Galway need to lose by less than four points to avoid relegation. Padraic Joyce has named an unchanged team following their win over Monaghan, hoping to secure enough points to remain in Division 1.
Mayo and Roscommon Prepare for Potential Connacht Preview
In Castlebar, Mayo and Roscommon will face off in a match that could serve as a preview for their upcoming Connacht semi-final. Both teams have made significant changes to their starting lineups, with Mayo resting players involved with the Under-20s and Roscommon making eight alterations.
Team Lineups
Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane, Aaron McKay, Gareth Murphy; Ross McQuillan, Tiernan Kelly, Jarlath Óg Burns; Callum O’Neill, Ben Crealey; Tomás McCormack, Jason Duffy, Greg McCabe; Cian McConville, Darragh McMullan, Oisín Conaty.
Kerry: Shane Murphy; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Tom O’Sullivan, Tadhg Morley, Armin Heinrich; Joe O’Connor, Seán O’Brien; Cillian Trant, Seán O’Shea, Graham O’Sullivan; Dylan Geaney, David Clifford, Keith Evans.
Galway: Conor Flaherty; Johnny McGrath, Cian Hernon, Jack Glynn; Liam Silke, Dylan McHugh, Seán Kelly; John Maher, Matthew Tierney; Shane McGrath, Ciarán Mulhern, Céin D’Arcy; Rob Finnerty, Oisín Mac Donnacha, Liam Ó Conghaile.
Dublin: Hugh O’Sullivan; Eoin Murchan, Nathan Doran, David Byrne; Eoin Kennedy, Brian Howard, Alex Gavin; Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Charlie McMorrow; Ross McGarry, Seán Bugler, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Killian McGinnis, Ciarán Kilkenny.
Mayo: Jack Livingstone; Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, Diarmuid Duffy; Sam Callinan, Michael Plunkett, Hugh O’Loughlin; Seamus Howard, David McBrien; Jack Carney, Ryan O’Donoghue, Jordan Flynn; Cian McHale, Aidan O’Shea, Paul Towey.
Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Tim Lambe, Eoin McCormack, Niall Higgins; Colm Neary, Caelim Keogh, Robbie Dolan; Shane Cunnane, Conor Ryan; Paul Carey, Conor Hand, Ciaran Lennon; Ben O’Carroll, Daire Cregg, Cathal Heneghan.
Broadcast Information
Allianz League Sunday will be broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 9.35pm. Live blogs will be available on the RTÉ News app and rte.ie/sport, with commentary as well on RTÉ Radio 1.
FAQ
Will David Clifford play against Armagh? Yes, David Clifford has been named in the Kerry starting XV.
What does Armagh need to do to avoid relegation? Armagh need to win against Kerry and hope Dublin lose to Galway.
What is the situation for Dublin? Dublin need a four-point win against Galway to guarantee their Division 1 status.
What changes have Mayo made to their team? Mayo have made eight changes to the team that played against Tralee.
