Paul Flynn's football quarter-final predictions

RTÉ News​

3 hours ago

Last week, we called all the results correctly, but I doubt that will be repeated this week.
All four All-Ireland quarter-finals could genuinely go either way. And one thing I'm curious about is how the two-week break for some teams versus the one-week turnaround for others will impact performances. Let's dive in.
First up on Saturday, Donegal take on Monaghan. This one has extra spice, with Donegal have been feeling hard done by with just a six-day turnaround and righfully so.
But come throw-in, that'll be irrelevant.
These two had a one-score game in Ulster earlier this year, and while you could argue Monaghan have improved more since then, Donegal remain one of my favourites for the All-Ireland.
Monaghan's scoring threats are well-documented - Conor McCarthy and Dessie Ward coming from deep, Micheál Bannigan flying in attack, and of course, Rory Beggan's two-point weaponry.
But Donegal's best, when they hit it, is slightly higher. Oisín Gallen is finding form, their depth is stronger, and they have Michael Murphy—a proven winner. That could be the difference.
Next, Dublin face Tyrone. Tyrone under Malachy O'Rourke remain a bit of an unknown, but they've added structure and strategy to their undeniable talent.
They hammered Dublin in Omagh during the league, dominating midfield, and they'll take confidence from that victory.
But Dublin are an enigma this season—mixing brilliance with baffling inconsistency, even within games.
he key for Dublin is Con O'Callaghan. He has to play and he has to be near his best. If he's fit and firing, Dublin have the edge.
If not, Tyrone could send them packing. It's as simple as that.
Take a breath, because Sunday's action is just as intriguing. First up, Meath take on Galway.
Both sides have injury concerns—Costello for Meath and Walsh for Galway are absolutely integral, and I hope they both play.
In such a competitive draw, both teams will feel this was the best match-up that was possibly available to them..
It'll be closer than many expect, but Galway showed a grit against Down that we hadn't seen this year. Obviously, they had the quality but it was the grit that really impressed me.
That grit, combined with their bench strength, could see them edge it.
Keep an eye on two rising stars in Croke Park—Ciaran Caulfield for Meath and Matthew Thompson for Galway. Both are young, but they play with a maturity beyond their years.
Game of the weekend for me. And finally, the All-Ireland champions Armagh take on the underdogs, Kerry.
All week, one thought has stuck in my head: Kerry will beat Armagh.
On paper, it's hard to make the case.
Kerry are ravaged by injuries, coming off a tough game last weekend, while Armagh are rested, disciplined, and have a stronger squad.
But David Clifford is thriving this year, exploiting the space the new rules allow.
If Kerry can create enough opportunities - as Dublin did against Armagh a few weeks ago - I think Clifford could dismantle this Armagh defence. But he will need support from his brother Paudie (from the start) and Sean o Shea.
Armagh will need a perfect defensive balance to contain them, but will they deviate from their zonal structure to deal with them or back their system?
Armagh have class of their own in attack - Oisín Conaty is flying, Rian O'Neill is back, Rory Grugan is excellent.
But Kerry's at their best have an ability to exploit space in these rules. And they also have an ability to show up when they are written off, and I've learned that the hard way. That makes them seriously dangerous underdogs.
It's going to be tight. It feels odd saying Kerry are going to cause an upset but I feel they could cause an upset of the All-Ireland champions this weekend.
Paul Flynn was speaking on Morning Ireland