Dublin’s prospects of beating Mayo in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC have been handed a major boost with the news that Jack McCaffrey has won his fitness race and is named to start.
The former Footballer of the Year has been plagued by a hamstring injury since his comeback and missed the draw with Roscommon and the win over Kildare, but came off the bench in the facile win over Sligo in Kingspan Breffni Park as Dublin topped Group Three.
Eoin Murchan is the player to make way, but it would be no surprise if the Na Fianna clubman is a late addition to the starting 15 ahead of throw-in.
Read more: Tyrone vs Kerry: Team news and key battles as Red Hands name unchanged team
Elsewhere, Ciaran Kilkenny retains his place after his late call-up against Sligo while Sean Bugler has recovered from the hamstring strain and joins Kilkenny and Niall Scully in the half-forward line.
Mayo have made two changes from their narrow win over Galway last weekend.
Kevin McStay has recalled Matthew Ruane and Padraig O’Hora to the starting team with Kevin McLoughlin and Sam Callinan dropping to the bench.
Ruane joins Diarmuid O’Connor at midfield with Stephen Coen switching to centre-back while Aidan O'Shea will equal Andy Moran’s record of 84 Championship appearances for Mayo on Sunday.
Dublin team
Mayo team
Key Battles
Con O’Callaghan (Dublin) vs Padraig O’Hora (Mayo)
While much has changed in Dublin’s forward unit in recent seasons, Con O’Callaghan remains their go-to attacker.
The Cuala ace hit 1-6, including 1-5 from play in the 53 minutes he was on the pitch last time out against Sligo.
Padraig O’Hora’s return to the Mayo team indicates he has been singled out for a special role on Sunday and it would be no surprise to see him track O’Callaghan.
Brian Fenton (Dublin) vs Matthew Ruane (Mayo)
He has been the one of the best midfielders in Ireland for the last decade and, at 30 years of age, Brian Fenton probably has a good few years left in the tank.
His partnership with James McCarthy, one of the best in business himself, gives Dublin a great platform. Fenton’s ability to pick a pass and plunder scores at key times is a vital asset for Dessie Farrell’s side.
Matthew Ruane has fared well against Dublin in recent times and he’ll need another outstanding performance on Sunday.
Aidan O’Shea (Mayo) v Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
Aidan O’Shea will be acutely aware of what is required from him this weekend. Mayo’s talisman simply must deliver one of his very best performances in a Mayo jersey if his team are to prevail.
Others have stepped up to the mark this season and he’ll have able assistance from Tommy Conroy and Ryan O’Donoghue.
Yet, it is hard to escape the notion that, if Michael Fitzsimons gets the better of O’Shea, Mayo’s race will be run.
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
