PREVIEW: Dublin v Galway Allianz Football League

Image Courtesy Niall O'Connell

Dublin’s fate is in their own hands as they conclude their Allianz National Football League Division 1 campaign with a trip to Pearse Stadium in Salthill to face Galway on Sunday afternoon (3.30). 

A four-point victory over Galway would preserve their NFL1 status for next year but they can also be spared based on events in the Athletic Grounds when Armagh host table toppers Kerry. 

Saturday’s loss to the 2024 All-Ireland winners has left the Dubs in a precarious position, level on points with Armagh but with an inferior points difference (Dublin’s -2 to Armagh’s +5). 

Dublin arguably played their most compelling half of football this year in that defeat, kicking 1-15 on their way to a healthy nine-point interval lead. 

The likes of Niall Scully, Paddy Small, Seán Bugler and Luke Breathnach all looked sharp up front with the latter kicking four points from play but a shoulder injury suffered in the second-half by the Ballinteer St John’s attacker is a headache that manager Ger Brennan could have done without. 

The continued absence through injury of captain Con O’Callaghan further reduces Dublin’s options in attack and his presence on the pitch in Salthill would be a major boost to Dublin’s survival prospects.  

Brennan will also be concerned about the effectiveness of Armagh’s press on Dublin’s kickouts in the second-half last Saturday night with Galway more than adequately served around the middle third by the likes of John Maher, Matthew Tierney and Céin D’Arcy.     

Galway are not out of the relegation picture either despite their 1-20 to 2-9 win against Monaghan in Inniskeen last Sunday.

They sit on six points in the table, two ahead of both Dublin and Armagh and while they have a positive points difference (+5), a four-point win for Dublin would see them overtake their opponents.   

Of course, if Dublin better Armagh’s result then their safety is guaranteed but a draw in both Salthill and Armagh would see the Dubs relegated. 

The match will be shown live on TG4 on Sunday where regular updates will be provided from the other matches, ensuring followers are kept up to speed on all the permutations that develop over Super Sunday.