Mayo vs Tyrone has the makings of a relegation shoot-out in Castlebar next Sunday. Despite Mayo’s comprehensive victory over Galway, they still need a win in their final game to guarantee safety. Meanwhile, Tyrone are just one point above the drop zone after their defeat to Donegal. If they lose and Monaghan win next weekend, they will drop to Division 2.
Mayo v Tyrone, Castlebar, 2pm Click for live score commentary
Mayo didn’t show any sign of rustiness in their return to action last Sunday. On the contrary, they produced arguably their best performance during James Horan’s second coming. From the off, they blew Galway out of the water. In the first-half, they accumulated a remarkable 2-17. Then, a further 1-6 after the break solidified their dominance.
However, with Galway missing many of their star names, it was easy for the Mayo players to find gaps in the defence. Next weekend, it will be much more attritional against Mickey Harte’s side. As a result, it will be impressive if Mayo can replicate such a scoreline.
The silver-lining for Mickey Harte in his loss to Donegal is the return of Conor McKenna. After six years in the AFL, the 24-year-old started for Tyrone. He scored 1-2 from play and added further assists.
Harte will be keen to stem the gaps Donegal were able to find in the Tyrone defence last weekend. If Mayo’s running game is on point, they can punish Tyrone just as easily. In a must-win game, Tyrone can’t afford to fall far behind.
Team News
Tyrone will be sweating over the availabilty of Rory Brennan. The referee brandished a red card after the corner-back fouled Murphy a minute from time and appeared to lay a hand on Jerome Henry.
On the other hand, Kieran McGeary’s dismissal won’t have any ramifications. He got his marching orders three minutes before Brennan after a black card on top of a yellow.
Cathal McShane won’t be available this season. But, Peter Harte could return and link up with Conor McKenna.
For Mayo, Mark Moran was the standout performer. The young Westport centre-forward made his debut for Mayo and fitted in seamlessly. A personal tally of 1-2 rounded off a dream debut. Likewise, Paddy Durcan, Oisin Mullin, and Aidan O’Shea all found themselves in the team of the week.
James Horan has very few complaints after the weekend. Therefore, we can’t expect many changes to the side that will take the field next Sunday.
Team News
Tyrone (Mayo): Niall Morgan; Liam Rafferty, Ronan McNamee, Darragh Canavan; Tiernan McCann, Kieran McGeary, Michael McKernan; Brian Kennedy, Frank Burns; Matthew Donnelly, Conor McKenna, Darren McCurry; Peter Harte, Conall McCann, Conor Meyler.
Mayo (Tyrone): David Clarke; Oisin Mullin, Stephen Coen, Lee Keegan; Patrick Durcan, Kevin McLoughlin, Eoghan McLaughlin; Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus; Diarmuid O’Connor, Mark Moran, Bryan Walsh; Tommy Conroy, Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor.
Prediction: Mayo. They found a way to survive against Donegal in 2018 and will find a way to do so again, especially in McHale Park.
Mayo vs Tyrone: Division 1, Sunday October 25th, 2pm (Castlebar).
.@TyroneGAALive's Conor McKenna finds the top corner! pic.twitter.com/M4jAanouxI
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 18, 2020
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