The All-Ireland hurling final between Galway and Limerick is just days away, with both teams vying for the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Former Antrim hurler Neil McManus takes a closer look at four key match-ups that could decide the outcome of the final.
One of the most intriguing battles will be between Galway's Cillian Trayers and Limerick's Aaron Gillane. Trayers has been one of Galway's most important young guns this year, with the ability to adapt to different opponents. He will face a stiff test against Gillane, Limerick's most potent scoring threat.
Another key contest will be between Galway's Cathal Mannion and Limerick's Adam English. Mannion has been pulling double duty for Galway, dropping deep to break up opposition attacks and launching Galway's own attacks. The question is whether English will track Mannion or play his own game and let the cards fall where they may.
The battle between Galway's Mike Casey and Limerick's Jason Rabbitte will also be crucial. Casey has emerged as Limerick's most dangerous inside forward this year, while Rabbitte has established himself as Galway's go-to man. The winning of this battle may come down to how much space that Galway like to leave in front of Rabbitte can be filled by a deep-lying Limerick half-back line.
Finally, the battle between Galway's Ronan Glennon and Limerick's Gearoid Hegarty will be a key one to watch. Glennon has quietly been one of Galway's most important players this campaign, with the ability to score from range and defend effectively. The challenge now is containing Hegarty, who remains one of Limerick's most explosive attacking threats.