Will Cork commit enough attackers to expose Kerry’s defensive frailties?

Cork will often end up with as many as 11 outfield players behind the ball, writes Paddy Kelly.

Last July’s Munster football final in Killarney resulted in a fifth provincial title in a row for the hosts and the bookies have again installed Kerry as firm favourites to take the spoils tomorrow night in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The starting 15 Cork has named shows nine survivors from the 2017 decider. The big question is: Have the Rebels improved enough to bridge an 11-point deficit from just 12 months ago?

The semi-final performance in Thurles against Tipperary a month ago has given hope to Cork football supporters that this year will see an improvement in fortunes. Kerry responded with a comprehensive victory of their own in Killarney against Clare but how much can be read into the manner of both victories? The opposition provided by both Tipperary and Clare fell far short of the expected challenge so it is difficult to assess exactly where both teams are.