David Henry, Ross McConnell and Stephen O'Shaughnessy form a full-back line that is certain to be fully extended by a Westmeath frontline in which Dennis Glennon and Dessie Dolan are currently on fire.

McConnell is still bedding down in the Dublin No 3 shirt and his head to head with Glennon — that's assuming he will be picking up the tearaway Westmeath forward — could hold the key to the outcome of the match.

Also finding his feet in the Dubs' side is midfielder Eamon Fennell who is actually keeping the wily Ciaran Whelan out of the side.

Bernard Brogan and Paul Flynn come back into the side having served their suspensions following that now infamous battle against Meath at Parnell Park.

Westmeath manager Tomas O Flahearta admits that facing Dublin in Croke Park will impose its own pressures on his team.

"Any team going in against Dublin at Croke is always perceived to be at a disadvantage," says former Kerry trainer O Flahearta.

"We know that they will have the backing of maybe 50,000 of their won fans and that's not bad for starters."

Westmeath's strong emphasis on their defensive cordon has won them fresh respect even though there are many who decry what is seen as a 'negative' tactic.

But with players like John Keane and Mark Ennis at the back, Westmeath rarely allow their opponents too much freedom.

The craft of Jason Sherlock, the drive of Alan Brogan and the marksmanship of Conal Keaney will ask big questions of the midlanders, though.

Sherlock may be in his early 30's but he still possesses the zip and razor-sharp brain which have highlighted his career in the Dublin jersey while Brogan's dynamic running and finishing have thrust him up among the leading forwards in the country.

With Wexford having ended the Laois dreams of making it into the final following their fine 0-18 to 0-12 victory last Sunday, the Leinster title race has assumed a rather different complexion.

It had been thought that Wexford might not carry their National League form over into the championship but they have proved the doubters wrong.

Now it remains to be seen if Westmeath can maintain the momentum they have generated to date this year in what will be their biggest match for some considerable time.

Dublin (SF v Westmeath): S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, S O'Shaughnessy; C Moran, B Cullen, B Cahill; E Fennell, S Ryan; P Flynn, J Sherlock, B Brogan; A Brogan, C Keaney, T Quinn.