‘I think Galway’s midfield is a little soft, they don’t have that combative nature’

GAA Hour host Colm Parkinson thinks that Galway's midfield of Tom Flynn and Fiontan O Curraoin is a little soft ahead of their round four qualifier against Mayo this weekend. 

Galway are looking for yet another win over Mayo as they bid to qualify for the second Super 8 series after last year's inaugural group stage. Parkinson predicts that star forward Damien Comer will play against James Horan's side but he's highlighted Galway's midfield as an area that Mayo may be able to exploit.

"Galway have gone off everybody's radar," said Parkinson on the latest episode of the GAA Hour. "They were very good in the first-half against Roscommon but it was surprising because they didn't really seem to have any leaders. I think Flynn and O Curraoin are a disaster together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5Q-Len3pIc "They've never done well for Galway when they're in midfield together because I think the two of them are a little bit soft. I don't think they have that combative nature. "I think [Peter] Cooke was only back from injury, I think he'll start in midfield. [Ciarán] Duggan could be back. Conroy is back playing club. Galway have more options now. I mean [Cillian] McDaid is back. Potential for the half-back line."

Parkinson thinks that Galway's returns and Mayo's personnel losses gives the Tribesmen a distinct advantage heading into the game and that the loss of defender Lee Keegan is a massive blow to The Heather County.

"I think Galway are in a much better position. Everyone talks about coming through the qualifiers but I think Galway are in a much better position because I think Mayo's injuries offset their momentum. "I think they have taken the wind out of Mayo's sails when you look at who they have lost. O'Connor, Keegan, Doherty is a doubt, Diarmuid O'Connor is gone. Ruane is gone.... but Keegan is just such a kick in the arse for Mayo. "I see Mayo in the same position to where they were coming to Newbridge last year. Dead men walking."