After an indifferent Allianz League campaign which saw them lose more games than they won, Dublin begin the defence of their Leinster and All-Ireland titles against Louth on Sunday.

Dublin's championship build-up has been relatively low-key, but there will still be the same pressure on them to perform as in any other year, especially after their run of defeats to Down, Mayo and Cork at the end of the league.

Louth, courtesy of the little-known Daniel O'Connor's injury-time goal against Westmeath, are unlikely to provide much of a test for the Dubs if their performance against the Lake County is anything to go by.

Westmeath were the better team by some distance, but their prolificacy in front of goal left the door open for O'Connor's late sucker punch.

Peter Fitzpatrick is adamant that Louth can beat the All-Ireland champions and there's always the possibility that Dublin will be vulnerable in the opening round.

Louth, who will welcome full back Dessie Finnegan back from his honeymoon, will need huge performances from the likes of Paddy Keenan (who was eclipsed by John Heslin against Westmeath), Ronan Carroll and Darren Clarke if they're to have any chance, but Dublin have quality throughout their side and should win with plenty to spare.

Verdict: Dublin

Dublin - Stephen Cluxton, Philly McMahon, Rory O'Carroll, Michael Fitzsimons, James McCarthy, Ger Brennan, Kevin Nolan, Eamon Fennell, Michael Darragh Macauley, Bryan Cullen, Alan Brogan, Paul Flynn, Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin McManamon, Bernard Brogan.

Louth - N Gallagher, P Rath, D Finnegan, G Hoey, R Finnegan, J Carr, D Byrne, P Keenan, R Carroll, D Crilly, M Brennan, A Reid, D Maguire, J McEneaney, D Clarke.

Odds: Dublin 1/16, Draw 16/1, Louth 9/1

Match Details: Leinster SFC quarter-final, Croke Park, Sunday 3 June, 4.30pm Tweet

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