Dublin continue their search for a first win in the 2022 Allianz National Football League as they travel to Newbridge to face Kildare.
Dessie Farrell’s side are three defeats from three following last weekend’s 2-11 to 0-12 defeat to Mayo, their second defeat in as many games to the Connacht side.
There were at least some signs of resolve in the Dublin performance compared to the listless displays against Armagh and Kerry in the opening two games.
Relegation is a real concern for the Dubs, however, and they will see Kildare as one of the sides they can take points off as they look to secure their Division One future.
Kildare have lost their last two matches since holding league leaders Kerry to a draw in Newbridge on the opening day.
Away defeats to Donegal and Tyrone - they were beaten by just a point in Omagh last weekend - are further evidence the Lilywhites are no pushover.
And a Dublin side low on confidence will be wary of taking anything for granted as they take on the side they brushed aside in the Leinster Championship final just six months ago.
What date is the match?
Sunday, February 27, 2022.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 1.45pm.
Where is the match?
St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
Who is the referee?
The referee is Sean Herson.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets are sold out.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on TG4.
Can I stream it online?
It is available on the TG4 player and on GAAGO .
Who are they key players to watch?
With the likes of Con O’Callaghan and James McCarthy missing, the onus has fallen on Ciaran Kilkenny to fill the dual-role of captain and creative spark for Dublin.
Half forward Kilkenny contributed four points to the cause, one from a free, in defeat to Mayo last week but that was only half of his contribution.
The Castleknock man dropped deep to help out his midfield and moved the ball forward with pace, but he will need more help further up the pitch this week.
Daniel Flynn will be left wondering how his late effort against Tyrone last week flew over, rather than under, the bar with the game in the balance.
He was Kildare’s top scorer last week with 0-3 but 1-2 would have won the Lilywhites the game and he will be eager to make amends this week against a shaky Dubs defence.
Quotes Corner:
Dessie Farrell said: “We have a plan and it’s a bigger picture about trying to be really, really competitive come the summer time.
“[We’re] introducing the new players that have been through the league and getting to a point where those younger players are properly immersed and embedded in the squad and we’re competitive.”
Kildare boss Glenn Ryan said: “We are getting better. We are getting good enough to be looking forward with enthusiasm.
“These fellas want to play with an ambition of a team that wants to represent their county and the people who come and support them. That they go away proud of them.”
Betting:
Kildare 9/4; Draw 15/2; Dublin 1/2.
