Athlone (A)

Can lightning strike twice for Kerry, as we return to the scene of our only league victory to date, this time with three of last season's Midlanders squad in tow? Jack Kavanagh and Valeri Dolia (who, it appears is now fit, but may or may not feature in Friday's squad) will be fully familiar with Lissywollen, as will Victor Udeze, even if only an Academy player last term. Spirits will be buoyed by the morale-boosting success against Treaty on Monday, and while it may not have been full-strength opposition, it highlights that our midfield can create plenty of scoring opportunities, if our forwards can capitalise. Aside from the return of Kavanagh and Spain, the first nine names on the team sheet are now fairly settled, and Conor now has a range of options to consider for his front two. Even if the home side's form has been variable, a draw would be a most satisfactory outcome, purely to properly kickstart 2024.

The Munster Cup run has been enjoyable so far. Bray and Treaty are two games in the league that have frustratingly slipped away. We've been waiting along time for things to gel in the league. Looking back on the two games where 2 goals leads were let slip against Cobh and Wexford, you would hope if Kerry get in that sort of lead territory in this game against Athlone or in the next few games, that Kerry can kick on and start picking a few wins.

Wouldn't be one bit surprised if yee give someone a good hiding soon, from watching the Treaty league match.

Certainly can't say that Conor hasn't picked an attacking line-up tonight: Tuta - O'Connell, Williams, Aladesanusi, Spain (C) - Healy, McGrath, McCarthy - Kelliher, Amechi, Okwute

A good point and badly needed. Solid performance but the main thing was to get a result. Played well
in patches and also looked every bit of a team playing their 3rd game in 8 days with minimal squad depth, tested even further with 3 or more injuries. What a cracking goal too, not just the finish but the move from back to front was top class. Hopefully we can kick on from here and get first home win against Cobh next week.

A disappointing goal to concede. The keeper has to do better there. Athlone left Kerry off the hook with some of their misses. Three games in a week probably caught up with Kerry. The visit of Cobh next week is the next massive game in the pursuit of a first home league win. Cracking goal by Okwute! Goals not coming for Kelliher so far. He'll be eager to put that right.