9. Dublin
Should Mattie Kenny require any fuel to motivate his side, being drawn against Laois should more than provide it.
The O’Moore County derailed what had been a strong maiden championship under the Galway boss in 2019, coming just a short time after dumping the Tribe from the championship.
The 2020 league was hardly convincing as wins came over Laois and Carlow, but were tempered by heavy losses to Kilkenny and Clare.
Into the bargain was a narrow defeat to 13-man Wexford, albeit the Dubs also lost two men as Eoghan O’Donnell was injured and Chris Crummey went off injured.
The latter was moved from wing-back into the forwards during the league and it is a symptom of their lack of presence up top.
Should Liam Rushe’s injury woes clear up, Danny Sutcliffe catch his 2013 form, and a few others take themselves to a new level, Dublin can give most counties a good game.
Their panel was thin last year and that cost them down in Portlaoise, so it is of little help that Darragh O’Connell and Sean Treacy have stepped away.
In a numbers game, and in a season where injuries could quickly mount up for any team, the Dubs will be under pressure to go deep into the championship.
