Finn Harps (A)

[culloty82]

Friday is the last game that Kerry will play outside Munster in 2023, with consecutive home matches then followed by a final-day trip to Cobh. The focus this week has been on player contracts, with assistant manager James Sugrue speaking of the necessity of bringing in more physical players, if the set-piece woes of this season are to be avoided in 2024. Kevin Williams, Seán McGrath, Ethan Kos, Samuel Aladesanusi and Leo Gaxha will be among the squad members who Billy Dennehy will be keenest to retain for next year, with these final four fixtures a pivotal opportunity for others to prove their worth. As for Friday's trip to Ballybofey, with the tie effectively a dead rubber, it might actually be a better chance for Kerry to put some points on the board than the two home games, although that may change in later weeks if Wexford and Waterford rotate their line-ups with a view to the play-offs.

[legendz]

There is an opportunity to pick up some points in the remaining games. Opponents possibly rotating their squads and Kerry in need of some precious consolation points for more respectability.
Unless the top 8 Premier Division clubs, Galway and Cork City or Waterford are looking at some of our players, I'll be disappointed to see any of our top performers leave. Set pieces have been a constant failing. More physical players are needed alright. Teams can go far in the First Division by being strong at defending set pieces and strong when attacking from set pieces.

[legendz]

The only change from last week is Okwute in for Kennedy.

[legendz]

Another frustrating loss. Annoying goal to concede after taking the lead. They have conceded goals from those halfway frees before. Same old failing again. Then to concede from a corner yet again. Very sloppy. No lessons learned. Chances to at least draw squandered. The missed penalty obviously.