Preview: Ulster SFC - Armagh v Donegal

June 13, 2015

Eamonn McGee of Donegal with Tony Kernan of Armagh. INPHO

The 'Sold Out' signs have been erected around the Athletic Grounds ahead of tomorrow's eagerly-awaited Ulster SFC quarter-final clash.

The two sides renew acquaintances after late points from Patrick McBrearty and Michael Murphy secured a narrow 1-12 to 1-11 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final victory for Donegal last August.

Since then Rory Gallagher has taken over the Donegal reins from Jim McGuinness while Kieran McGeeney is at the helm in the Orchard County following the departure of Paul Grimley.

2002 All-Ireland winning captain McGeeney doesn't subscribe to the theory that home advantage could be worth a point or two to his team.

"Clones and Croke Park probably suits our style of football more," he opined.

"The tight pitch might suit Donegal's style more. We played Donegal in the Athletic Grounds in the league last year where you could definitely see it suited them. It's a tight pitch and I do think it plays tighter because the wall is close to it."

Rory Gallagher has made one change to the team that scored a 1-13 to 1-10 preliminary round victory over Tyrone last month.

Anthony Thompson, who missed most of the league campaign due to work commitments in the UK, is named at right half-back alongside Karl Lacey and Frank McGlynn.

"We are in a very daunting side of the draw," Gallagher said this week. "First we had to face Tyrone and now we are gearing up to face another huge challenge in Armagh.

"It is what it is and it is something that we have to meet head on and we will be ready, regardless of the opposition. It is our job as management to have the boys ready."

Derry await the winners in the last four on Saturday, June 27.

Verdict - Draw.

Armagh team: tbc.

Donegal team: Paul Durcan; Paddy McGrath, Neil McGee, Eamonn McGee; Anthony Thompson, Karl Lacey, Frank McGlynn; Neil Gallagher, Martin McElhinney; Christy Toye, Odhran MacNiallais, Ryan McHugh; Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden.

Match details: Sunday; Athletic Grounds; 2pm.

Referee: David Coldrick.

Odds: Armagh 2/1, Draw 7/1, Donegal 4/7.


Most Read Stories