Ciaran Whelan reckons Dublin's Allianz Football League final against Cork could be their toughest game between now and the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

While Whelan's prediction may irk some of Dublin's Leinster rivals, it's difficult to argue given the Dubs' total and utter dominance of the province over the past decade.

"This Sunday's Division 1 final is important for both Cork and Dublin," the former midfielder writes in The Herald.

"For Dublin, it could possibly be the most competitive game of football they will get between now and the August bank holiday weekend.

"For Cork, they will be hoping to make amends for their collapse to Dublin in last year's league semi-final when the Dubs over-turned a ten-point deficit to eventually win by seven. That defeat crushed Cork mentally and a difficult summer followed when Kerry destroyed them in the Munster final."

The Raheny man believes there are still places up for grabs in Jim Gavin's championship starting line-up.

"While Dublin have adapted their defensive strategy playing John Small effectively in the holding deep role as a centre-back, supported by the likes of Tomás Brady and Denis Bastick, Gavin will be looking for more in terms of the team's work ethic and the quality of their tackling down the central channel," he added.

"Up front, Brian Fenton has been a very effective introduction to the half-forward line which has allowed Gavin to relocate Ciarán Kilkenny to the inside forward line where he played most of his underage football.

"In the absence of the injured Eoghan O'Gara, Kilkenny could develop and give Dublin the added outlet that is required alongside Bernard Brogan.

"Sunday's game will ask more questions for Dublin and though they go in as favourites they could be pushed all the way by Cork."

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