All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers Phase 3: Cork v Galway Match Pick...

Cork play Galway in the All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium on Saturday @ 7.00PM. This is arguably the match of the weekend in both hurling and football qualifiers.

Cork have made two changes in personnel for this crucial encounter. Patrick Horgan has been recalled to the Rebels’ starting line-up after being dropped for the win over Offaly. He comes in at corner forward as Tadhg Óg Murphy misses out in midfield. John Gardiner also returns from injury to lead the Cork team for this clash. The return of Gardiner means Tom Kenny reverts back to midfield in place of Graham Callinan. Ben O'Connor, who was struggling with hamstring injury, is selected at right half forward.

Cork Team:
D Óg Cusack; S O'Neill, E Cadogan, S Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Óg O hAilpín; T Kenny, J O'Connor; B O'Connor, P Cronin, T McCarthy; K Murphy, A O hAilpín, P Horgan.

Galway boss John McIntyre has been forced to make one change with left half back Adrian Cullinane ruled out with cruciate ligament damage. Ger Farragher who was introduced for Cullinane in last weekend's win over Clare will take a spot in the starting XV. Farragher's move to midfield results in Eoin Lynch moving back to fill the void left by Cullinane in the half back line.

Team captain Ollie Canning has been passed fit to take his place at left corner back, despite complaining of blurred vision after the Clare game.

Galway Team:
D Callinan; F Moore, S Kavanagh, O Canning; D Joyce, J Lee, E Lynch; G Farragher, K Hines; A Callinan, C Donnellan, A Smyth; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.

This will be the 31st championship clash between the counties, stretching back to 1901 when they met for the first time in the All-Ireland semi-final which Cork won. The Rebels lead 26-4 from the previous 30 clashes with the Tribesmen.

Despite their Leinster SHC semi-final loss to Kilkenny this year, Galway are showing that they may yet be the team to dethrone the reigning All-Ireland champions. Cork are not showing the level performance that won them two All-Irelands in this decade. This will be a close encounter, but I think Galway will take this one by a narrow margin.

Paddy Power Match Betting Odds:
Cork evens
Draw 10/1
Galway evens

Handicap Betting:
Cork (+1.0) 8/11
Handicap Draw (1.0) 10/1
Galway (-1.0) 5/4

Winner: Galway

___