Dublin v Westmeath:THIS IS a huge match for both counties. Given the recent history between the teams Westmeath have no reason to lack confidence and will see Dublin's vast favouritism as a challenge rather than a state of affairs.
For their part the champions have been watching the shifting sands in the championship to date - the departure of Meath into biggest A list the qualifiers has ever assembled and Kerry's selection woes - and wouldn't be human if their minds weren't occasionally straying.
Both teams have their most famous centrefielder on the bench although were Martin Flanagan fully fit, he would be starting. Dublin appear sufficiently encouraged by Eamonn Fennell's promise to allow him resume where he left off against Louth in Ciarán Whelan's absence.
Dublin's team shows seven changes from the National League Division Two final whereas Westmeath make just two, including the enforced replacement of Flanagan. But one of those sees the return of Dessie Dolan, who made only a fleeting appearance two months ago so Tomás Ó Flatharta's side are also strengthened.
It also remains open to question how much better the revamped Dublin defence will cope with Westmeath whose creation and exploitation of space that evening in Navan through Denis Glennon and Dermot Bannon exposed the limitations of the champions when being run at and even in terms of their basic marking.
Dublin have good options on the bench but won't want to be making emergency adjustments at any stage of the match.
In terms of countering Westmeath's cover defence Dublin need to move the ball quickly and cut out the aimless running into attack from defence and centrefield, which would be meat and drink to their opponents' hard-working half forwards.
Westmeath need to turn the screw on the hesitancies in Dublin's defence and force the favourites to scramble - a process that hasn't always come easily to them.
Are Dublin as rickety as they looked when the Louth match was still in the melting pot or as good as they appeared when putting away the match? They will need to be closer to the latter because Westmeath won't disintegrate at the first sign of pressure.
DUBLIN:S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, S O'Shaughnessy; C Moran, B Cullen, B Cahill; E Fennell, S Ryan; P Flynn, J Sherlock, B Brogan; A Brogan, C Keaney, T Quinn.
WESTMEATH:G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, J Keane; M Ennis, D Heavin, D Healy; D O'Donoghue, D Duffy; F Wilson, J Smyth, D Harte; D Dolan, Denis Glennon, D Bannon.
Referee:Pádraig Hughes (Armagh).
GUIDELINES
In the last episode:Championship meetings have been mixed, between Dublin's one-sided win in the All-Ireland quarter-final two years ago and Westmeath's historic victory en route to a first Leinster title in 2004. More recently Tomás Ó Flatharta's team were impressive winners in April's National Football League Division Two final.
You bet:Dublin are a prohibitive 1-5 with Westmeath available at 9-2. Best value is maybe in the handicap with the outsiders 10-11 plus five points.
On your marks:The cockpit of this semi-final will be Dublin's forwards against Westmeath's defence. Fast and mobile, the champions' attack is considerably strengthened since the Division Two final with both Brogans, an in-form Tomás Quinn and a fit Jason Sherlock (whose first-half departure due to injury spelled the end of Dublin's early superiority last April) all present.
Westmeath's defence has been thoroughly grounded in Ó Flatharta's claustrophobic system and it's paid off with a series of intelligent, impenetrable performances.
Gaining ground:Croke Park is expected to attract over 70,000 for this. The two championship meetings between the counties this decade were both played here and split one apiece.
Just the ticket:Stands €25. Terrace €15. Family ticket €30 (One adult €25 plus child €5) with an additional €5 per extra child. Concessions available for Cusack and Davin Stands.
Crystal gazing:At full strength Dublin have the backbone and mobility to counter Westmeath's pressing game. The question is whether they have the mental toughness to take chances clinically and put away their opponents, who unlike Louth won't feel inhibited playing them. Dublin with caution.
