Dublin (-6)
Like everyone else outside of Dublin, I would love to see Mayo win this All-Ireland final. It would be great for the game, but it going to take them three or four goals to beat Dublin and I just don’t see that happening. There is a danger that the Dubs could score that number of goals though, and they could really give James Horan’s men a pasting given how open Mayo were against Tipperary in the semi-final.
It looks like Dessie Farrell is getting more out of this Dublin team than even Jim Gavin did over the previous five seasons. The introductions of Sean Bulger and Paddy Small has worked a treat and Farrell also has the luxury of being able to call two current All-Stars in Paul Mannion and Brian Howard off the bench if he needs them. It just shows the strength in depth that Dublin possess.
I just can’t see Mayo winning and I don’t believe they’ll be able keep the defeat to less than six points either. So, I’m going with Dublin to beat off the (-6) handicap in front of them here and make it six All-Ireland titles in-a-row for the men from the capital.
Saturday 17:00 – All-Ireland Football final: Dublin v Mayo
RTÉ 2 and Sky Sports Mix
Read: GAA tips: Aidan O’Mahony tasty trio of punts for Dublin v Mayo
Mayo under 16.5 points
The total score for Mayo is set at 16.5 points by Paddy’s oddsmakers and I reckon one of the best bets available in the market is to back the Westerners to be under that mark. I know they grabbed 5-20 (35 points) against Tipperary two weeks ago, but I reckon they’ll have difficulty getting over 16 points on Saturday against the better quality of defenders Dublin have at their disposal.
Dean Rock to score the first goal
Dean Rock is the obvious choice for me, as I fancy Dublin to get the first goal in this contest. Don’t forget, Rock is the Dublin penalty taker too, and that can only boost his chances of grabbing the first green flag on Saturday evening. He also got the opener against Meath in the Leinster final.
But, I won’t put you off backing Con O’Callaghan to net first either. He is surely due a goal for the Dubs soon, and Mayo better keep a close eye on him in this one.
Dublin v Mayo tips summary:
Dublin (-6)
Mayo under 16.5 points
Dean Rock to score the first goal
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