Waterford (A)

**culloty82** · 11/04/2023, 9:18 AM

If the start to the season was already fairly challenging for Kerry FC, then the upcoming trio of fixtures will undoubtedly prove the ultimate test of character, with Waterford finally clicking through the years ahead of a trip to the RSC, Galway visiting Mounthawk Park the following Friday, and a first away Munster derby against Treaty to round things off. Since the appointment of Keith Long, the Blues have been most impressive, demolishing Finn Harps before a highly clinical performance at St Colman's Park. It may be time for Kerry to go 5-4-1, "park the bus" for the 90 minutes, and see what counter-attacking opportunities are available if/when they gain any brief relief from absorbing pressure.

**culloty82** · 11/04/2023, 12:35 PM

Interestingly, 23 out of the 30-man squad have already seen senior action this season, which only excludes the two sub-goalies, and the long-term injured (Carey, Ankomah), while the other three (Silong, Cooney and Buckley) have lined out for the U19s.

**legendz** · 11/04/2023, 1:25 PM

It is definitely a game to park the bus. There is no point in hoping to draw Shamrock Rovers at home in the FAI Cup if a defensive setup is not tried out and tested. Ireland v France have shown the template.

**dansultheman** · 13/04/2023, 4:09 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

It is definitely a game to park the bus. There is no point in hoping to draw Shamrock Rovers at home in the FAI Cup if a defensive setup is not tried out and tested. Ireland v France have shown the template.

Park the bus is right. The team is doing much better defensively during games, but still lots to improve on and they will as the games go on. If Kerry can come back with a respectable performance and make it really difficult, it could set a real template for the visit of Galway next Friday.

**culloty82** · 14/04/2023, 3:02 PM

Worth noting that both Leo Gaxha and Matt Keane are both a booking away from suspensions, having already picked up four yellows each this season.

**legendz** · 14/04/2023, 4:36 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

Worth noting that both Leo Gaxha and Matt Keane are both a booking away from suspensions, having already picked up four yellows each this season.

Keane won't want to miss the trip to Limerick. Gaxha will preferably be available for that trip and the following games. It's inevitable they'll get booked. Wouldn't be any harm if they take a booking for the team this evening? Sit out Galway and be ready to go again.

**culloty82** · 14/04/2023, 6:03 PM

Just the one change tonight, as Sean O'Connell replaces Sean Kennedy, while it's the second successive game that the captain has started on the bench, which is the ultimate proof that no-one's place is guaranteed.

**legendz** · 14/04/2023, 6:36 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

Just the one change tonight, as Sean O'Connell replaces Sean Kennedy, while it's the second successive game that the captain has started on the bench, which is the ultimate proof that no-one's place is guaranteed.

Just a defensive change from last week. Hopefully now they can put in a good defensive display.

**legendz** · 14/04/2023, 8:52 PM

Sensible defensive setup. Disappointing to concede from a corner again though. Any lapse in concentration is punished. The players are getting mentally sharp for longer in the game though. Being live to the threat of a quick throw in where they were getting caught out a few weeks back.