Ben Dublin will kick off their pursuit of another Leinster Senior Football Championship when they take on underdogs Carlow in what promises to be a David vs Goliath-type showdown.
The reigning All-Ireland champs will travel to Portlaoise for their quarter-final as heavy favourites in a match that should be a formality.
But underestimate Carlow at your peril and with the Barrowsiders already upsetting the odds to overcome Wexford 2-17 to 2-13 in the preliminary round, they will go into the game without fear.
And as the minnows look to catapult themselves towards Leinster Senior Football Championship glory for the first time in 73 years, we look at the key battles that will take place on Saturday.
Brendan Murphy vs Diarmuid Connolly
Carlow midfielder Brendan Murphy put in a masterful performance against Wexford in the preliminaries, scoring two second-half points and an injury-time goal to help his side over the line.
Relishing his chance to play against Dublin, Murphy said: “Dublin are the greatest team that I’ve ever seen play the game.
“We are going to enjoy the build-up, we are going to enjoy the crowd.”
And he’ll have to be at his creative best as he prepares to pit his wits against Dublin playmaker Diarmuid Connolly.
The All-Star forward has expertly pulled the strings for the Dubs season in, season out and will no doubt be a pivotal part of their bid to win a seventh consecutive Leinster crown.
Paul Broderick vs Bernard Brogan
Paul Broderick has been an absolute colossus for the Barrowsiders and was in fine form in their unlikely victory against Wexford.
The right centre forward was immense for the home side and his ten points were crucial in securing Carlow’s first Leinster championship win since 2011.
But in Bernard Brogan, the Boys in Blue have a proven All-Star, leading the scoring charts for his beloved side in the 2011, 2013 and 2015 All-Ireland finals.
Despite his form dipping towards the end of last year for the Dubs, the 33-year-old veteran is still a huge threat in front of the posts.
Craig Kearney vs Stephen Cluxton
There can be no doubt which goalkeeper will be the busier this weekend and Carlow’s Craig Kearney will have to be at his absolute best to help the minnows pull off a huge upset.
Stopping the Dubs getting goals will be crucial if the Barrowsiders have any chance of making it through to the semi-finals of the Leinster Championship.
At the opposite end of the field will be Dublin skipper Stephen Cluxton who must ensure his side doesn’t fall foul of complacency.
With some bookmakers, Carlow are 50/1 to emerge with an unlikely triumph and the 35-year-old stalwart, who made his inter-county debut back in 2001, must keep his side focused to get the job done.
