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"I think there will be changes in the Dublin set-up" - Pillar Caffrey previews the replay

Former Dublin manager Pillar Caffrey is expecting the Dubs to make changes for the All-Ireland fi...



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"I think there will be changes in the Dublin set-up" - Pillar Caffrey previews the replay

Former Dublin manager Pillar Caffrey is expecting the Dubs to make changes for the All-Ireland final replay.

The reigning champions are still on the hunt for the Drive For Five after drawing with Kerry two weeks ago.

As the replay approaches, Pillar Caffrey joined Ger Gilroy in studio to preview the game.

"I think there will be changes in the Dublin set-up," he said.

"When Jim had the chance against Mayo a couple of years ago, he made three changes in between the drawn game and the replay.

"A guy who came in and impressed greatly was Eoin Murchan. I think he would suit some of the man-marking job that is required on the speedy fellas."

He also added that much of the Dublin team under-performed the last day, citing only four that were at or near their best.

"I won't say we were obliterated but we certainly lost the midfield battle," he said.

"I think Dublin will make a change in midfield. They will want to have Macauley on for the last 20 minutes where he can run riot. I don't think they'll start him because he doesn't tend to last the games."

Tommy Walsh

Meanwhile, on the Kerry side, Pillar believes Kerry will be loath to start powerhouse forward Tommy Walsh in order to allow him to have more of an impact when the game is actually in the melting pot.

"He's not your normal sub coming in. This guy is 6"4, 6"5 and he's a beast of a man. So you can't put the likes of Davey Byrne, Jonny Cooper or any of these guys next to or near him," he said.

Pillar explained that in the National League and the All-Ireland final two weeks ago, Dublin pulled James McCarthy back to help try and stymie Walsh.

"Tommy Walsh still dictated terms for that 10 minutes or so," he continued.

"I don't think it suits James going back into the full-back line. I'm not sure he enjoys it, going back in there. So you're really taking a huge cog out of Dublin by forcing that early on.

"I don't know if there's a Plan B for Dublin if that happens. I don't if Mick Fitzsimons would be able to muscle it with him. [Kerry] want Tommy Walsh on the field, I feel, when the game's going to be decided.

"It ain't going to be decided in the first half. So that's why I don't see them starting him."

You can watch the full All-Ireland final replay preview with Pillar Caffrey above via YouTube.

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All-ireland Diarmuid Connolly Dublin GAA Gaelic Football Kerry Michael Darragh Macauley Off The Ball Pillar Caffrey Replay Tommy Walsh