Preview: Ulster SFC: Armagh v Monaghan
June 28, 2014
Armagh's Jamie Clarke with Monaghan's Colin Walshe. INPHO
From the start, Armagh were adamant that their attempts to get their suspended trio exonerated would not distract from the preparations for their last four clash against Anglo Celt Cup holders Monaghan.
Andy Mallon, Brendan Donaghy and Kieran Toner are unavailable to manager Paul Grimley after being hit with one-match suspensions by the CCCC.
Caolan Rafferty, meanwhile, misses out because of a suspected broken hand.
Can the Orchard County absorb the absence of those four? Have they taken their eye off the ball?
Neighbours Monaghan will put those questions to them and it will be interesting to see what response they get.
Armagh were no match for Monaghan when they met in Division 2 earlier this year with Malachy O'Rourke's charges running out convincing 1-17 to 0-10 winners.
"The final scoreline wasn't a true reflection on the game at all, it was very flattering towards ourselves," O'Rourke opined.
The Farney County enter the contest on a high following their one-point quarter-final win over Tyrone and, with captain Conor McManus on the mend, are justifiably fancied to renew acquaintances with Donegal in the decider.
Verdict - Monaghan.
Armagh team: tba.
Monaghan team: Rory Beggan; Kieran Duffy, Drew Wylie, Colin Walshe; Dessie Mone, Vinny Corey, Fintan Kelly; Dick Clerkin, Darren Hughes; Ryan Wylie, Chris McGuinness, Paudie McKenna; Dermot Malone, Kieran Hughes, Conor McManus.
Match details: Saturday, Clones, 7pm, extra-time playable.
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).
Odds: Armagh 10/3, Draw 9/1, Monaghan 2/7.
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