GAA punting pro Keith Merchant (@kmerchant3) shares his thoughts on Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Championship final.
Galway v Limerick | Sunday 19th August 2018, 15:30 | Sky Sports
The biggest day on the hurling calendar is upon us and few can disagree that these two teams don’t deserve to be here.
Galway face Limerick in the All-Ireland hurling final for the first time since 1980 and it’s the Limerick men that will be heading to Croke Park looking to deliver their county’s first championship in 45 years.
To do that you would have to expect to see players like the brilliant Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan on-form. The good news for the Limerick supporters is that Limerick manager John Kiely is reporting a clean bill of health.
In Galway they can’t say the same at this time as question marks fitness-wise over a couple of keys defenders in Gearoid McInerney and John Hanbury. Both would be a massive loss for Galway if missing come Sunday.
In the forward line, current All-Ireland champions Galway are firing on all cylinders with Joe Canning and Cathal Mannion, while the brilliant and tough Johnny Glynn and Conor Cooney are keeping their usually good work going.
The front six for Galway have been in great form against some top defences already this summer and that’s expected to be where the game will be won and lost in the capital.
I believe that Johnny Glynn is one of the biggest single threats to Limerick’s hopes. He’s 11/4 (Paddy Power) to score in both halves and well worth a punt. Such is the Galway full forward’s size and goal-scoring ability that this Limerick team will struggle to get to grips with him.
Galway have been there before. They have gotten over the line last year, and possess the know-how now, even though they haven’t really fired. I still expect them to get over the line with Glynn key to that come Sunday.
I’ve five player selections worth an interest.
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