Intriguing battle ahead for Liam McCarthy

Whatever way you look at this afternoon's All-Ireland senior hurling final between champions Cork and pretenders to the throne Galway, it seems John Allen's Rebels will come out on top (Croke Park, throw-in 3.30pm).

The experience, the sound defence, the Hurler-of-the-Year-elect in John Gardiner, Sean Óg as captain, Diarmuid 'the Rock', Brian Corcoran the goal-getter…the list in favour goes on and on.