Gaelic football has needed a day like tomorrow's for some time. There is nothing that quite matches the hype associated with two former powers - teams that I'd consider to be dormant giants - re-emerging from their slumbers. That is pretty much the case with both Kildare and Galway this year as they enter the final phase in the quest to get their hands on Sam Maguire after a long absence.

Some say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I'm sure some of the older people in the respective counties have plenty of tales to tell about teams of the past. However, the current teams have proven themselves in every regard over the last five months or so and have made it to Croke Park on merit.

Indeed, it promises to be an intriguing clash and, given the way that Clare and Wexford each enlivened the hurling scene with their reappearances in recent years, I'd say that Kildare and Galway could have the same regenerating effect on football. It augurs well for the game nationally.

The outcome is difficult to predict. Kildare will probably be favourites on paper. On the way to the final, they have beaten the three previous All-Ireland champions, which is no mean feat; yet, that could put extra pressure on them and the favourites tag, especially going into the final, can be a hard one to take.

Galway's preparations remind me of the way that Donegal went into the 1992 final with Dublin when they adopted a low-profile build-up and then won the match against the odds.

Galway may not have notched up as many big-name scalps en route as Kildare, but, apart from the Connacht final, they have been very effective and I was particularly taken with their All-Ireland semi-final win over Derry, which was quite formidable.

I believe that Galway still have considerable scope for improvement. They have a large complement of young players who should know no fear, even on All-Ireland final day.

This match is all about what happens over 70 minutes, a once-off encounter that will decide everything, and I've been impressed with their entire approach.

The pressure is really on Kildare. Mick O'Dwyer will have had a difficult job keeping his players away from all the hype, because it seems that everyone in Kildare has gone crazy.

That's fantastic, but it makes it harder for players to keep their feet on the ground and, so often in the past, big-name players on teams lumbered with favouritism have under-performed on the big day. Mick will need players to go out, relax and just play their own games.

Glen Ryan, Declan Kerrigan, Niall Buckley, Anthony Rainbow, Brian Lacey and Karl O'Dwyer can be relied on to do that but I feel that Galway are coming into the game on a better footing. There is less pressure and John O'Mahony has instilled great self-belief.

Galway showed a lot of maturity against Derry. They controlled the game and, tactically, were very aware, making the best use of the quick ball. Also, the Galway forwards got in front of their markers and drew the fouls.

I'm sure the Galway management will be well versed in the Kildare game, the way much of it is based on hard running and short passing. Very often moves start deep in defence.

If the Galway forwards work like trojans (they're fit and fast enough), close down moves and intercept Kildare's short passes, then scoring opportunities could open up for them.

Kildare's decision to bring Ken Doyle in as corner back is also questionable. Corner-back is a highly specialised position, but they were obviously worried that Sos Dowling wouldn't have the pace to cope with Derek Savage. But another concern about Kildare must be the question-mark over Ronan Quinn's fitness. A suspect groin is not the sort of injury you'd want to take into a final, especially with the likes of Padraig Joyce to handle.

In their semi-final win, Kerrigan and Eddie McCormack got an unbelievable amount of space; it allowed them to collect the break and run virtually unopposed through the Kerry defence. They will not get the same space tomorrow because O'Mahony knows how dangerous they can be if they do get the openings.

Kildare's danger men, I suspect, will be Martin Lynch and Karl O'Dwyer, who is the best kicker of a ball they have. O'Dwyer has really proved his worth and cleverly works his way outfield. I can't see Gary Fahy following him; he'll probably pick up Padraig Graven instead. The midfield battle brings Galway's huge physical presence against the more mobile Kildare partnership. I expect there to be much blocking in this sector as the respective players seek to limit the supply of quality ball into the forwards.

In the end, it'll all come down to who performs on the day. That's what a final is all about. I'm going to plump for Galway. I expect them to win, despite possibly having to work with less possession.

I just feel they have the extra ability to poach a goal and have more potency in front of goal. And, given my track record on predictions so far this season, I'm sure that my good friend Micko will be happy to see me go for the opposition.

(In an interview with Philip Reid).