Today’s PREVIEWS

Leinster SHC final replay Galway v Kilkenny Semple Stadium, Live: RTÉ 1, 3pm, REPLAYS rarely follow the pattern set by the drawn encounter, which is probably a good thing in this case. Nobody wants to see a repeat of the dour arm-wrestle that occurred in Croke Park. Kilkenny’s work-rate and intensity were a sight to behold last Sunday, but Galway, for their part, did play into their hands. Their forwards didn’t display their usual movement while their touch seemed a little off. We expect their touch to be crisper in Thurles and both Joe Canning and David Burke to be more influential. The All-Ireland champions will be forewarned to Kilkenny’s game-plan of disrupting their rhythm. They will be sharper and less lethargic that they appeared last week. They should win.

Verdict: Galway All-Ireland SFC qualifiers Rd. 4 Laois v Monaghan Navan, 2pm LAOIS serve as a chilling reminder to Monaghan as to what life used to be like prior to Malachy O’Rourke. The O’Moore men were the last team to play – and beat – Monaghan in 2012, prior to O’Rourke’s arrival. In the interim, these teams have swapped places. Monaghan will spend a fifth season in Division 1 next year, have won two Ulster titles and are seeking to reach the last eight for a fifth time in O’Rourke’s six seasons. And Lady Luck has taken to smiling at them – Laois, after Waterford and Leitrim – are the third division four team they will face this summer. And while this will surely be a tougher test for the Ulster men, it is still one which they will overcome with some comfort.

Verdict: Monaghan