Kingdom tipped to topple Mayo

Kerry get their first outing at Croke Park of the 2005 championship this afternoon, with quarter-final opponents Mayo expected to prove little more than cannon fodder for the reigning All-Ireland champions (throw-in 3.30pm).

The Connacht men have been comprehensively written off since last weekend's wide-fest at Dr Hyde Park.

Manager John Maughan was furious as Mayo hit 18 wides in a 0-11 to 0-8 fourth round qualifier defeat of Cavan.

While their scoring boots might have been marked absent, the scoring opportunities were still created, and a full-fold increase in taking those chances could see Mayo trouble the Kingdom.

Kerry's awesome attack includes Colm 'Gooch' Cooper again, as the 3-12 sharpshooter has shaken off a hamstring injury.

Cooper has led the Kerry scoring this summer as they have hit 5-43 in three games. Kerry goalkeeper Diarmuid Murphy has yet to concede a goal.

Last year, when these sides met in the All-Ireland final, Mayo netted twice but still ended up losing 2-09 to 1-20.