But who will come out on top as race for Sam hots up?

Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney and John Maher, a colossus, top man markers in Johnny McGrath, Liam Silke and Sean Fitzgerald and two-point shooters in Conroy and Walsh. It will take a very good team to beat them.

- 

3 ARMAGH

TO beat Tyrone with just six of their starting line-up from last year's All-Ireland final was a serious achievement and testimony to their depth.

Their training sessions must be cut throat.

The improvement in players like Ross McQuillan, Oisin Conaty and Callum O'Neill speaks volumes for their coaching, but they'll need more of the big guns back if they are to repeat last year's All-Ireland triumph.

We still haven't seen Joe McElroy and Aaron McKay this year. They'll also need some of Ciaran Mackin, Tiernan Kelly and Rian O'Neill fit. Their bench could potentially overwhelm opponents.

4. KERRY

THEIR waltz through Munster is beyond a joke at this stage. Cork gave them a match this year, but that was due to Paudie Clifford's red card and the wet conditions, as much as anything else.

They arrive nice and fresh at the All-Ireland stage, but with largely the same 15 starters as last year, bar Mike Breen at six.

Joe O'Connor is kicking on at midfield, but Diarmuid O'Connor is a miss and Graham O'Sullivan at wing-forward is an odd one.

David Clifford gives them a great chance against everyone and it's harder to man mark Paudie Clifford under the new rules. Will always go close.

5. DUBLIN

THIS might seem high, but they were down half a team in the Meath defeat. Sean Bugler was a huge loss, while if Lee Gannon is gone for the season, that's a major blow.

Stephen Cluxton's kick outs will be better in Croke Park, although the length isn't there compared to other top goalies. They have issues in defence and no settled midfield.