No disrespect to the other games down for decision but, as far as neutrals are concerned, the Ulster SFC meeting of holders Donegal and Tyrone is the only show in town this weekend.

The build-up to the eagerly awaited clash of two of the heavy weights of modern day gaelic football has set the pulses racing and the marketing department of the Ulster Council couldn't have asked for a better game to kick-start the Anglo Celt Cup race.

Rory Gallagher has taken over the reins from Jim McGuinness in Donegal and, if the league is anything to go by, the transition appears to have been seamless.

The Fermanagh native will be looking to add to the county's tally of eight Ulster SFC title but, if they are to achieve that goal, they will have to do it the hard way.

Tyrone will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of relegation to Division 2 and Mickey Harte will be determined to provide evidence to prove that rumours of the county's demise as a footballing force have been greatly exaggerated.

The two sides met in the league and Donegal prevailed on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-6 but you would imagine there will be little separating the sides when the final whistle is blown this weekend.

Whoever comes on top will then advance to a quarter-final against a rejuvenated Armagh so Kieran McGeeney will be one of many interested spectators in Ballybofey on Sunday.

Can the Division 3 champions maintain the momentum generated by last year's run to the last eight of the All-Ireland series?

Also in the same side of the draw, Derry and Down are scheduled to clash on Sunday, June 7th in Celtic Park.

The early signs are promising for the Mourne County under Jim McCorry but the Oak Leafers are a more than capable side on their day and that is a difficult one to call.

The draw has been favourable to 2013 champions Monaghan but they can't afford to look any further than Sunday week's local derby against Cavan.

Malachy O'Rourke's side redeemed themselves with a fine showing against Dublin in the Division 1 semi-final and Conor McManus is in top form as the championship approaches.

The Breffni County have plenty to prove after a disappointing 2014 campaign but Terry Hyland's side appear to lack the firepower up front to transform them into genuine contenders for outright success.

Elsewhere, Fermanagh will roll out the red carpet for Antrim and, buoyed by their promotion from Division 3, you would expect the Ernesiders to book a semi-final ticket.

The only thing you can predict with any degree of confidence about the Ulster SFC is that there is likely to be many twists and turns before the coveted silverware is handed over on Sunday, July 19th.

PREDICTIONS:

Champions: Monaghan; Runners-up: Donegal

ODDS (supplied by Paddy Power)

Monaghan 9/4; Donegal 7/2; Armagh 9/2; Derry 13/2; Cavan 15/2; Tyrone 9/1; Down 10/1; Fermanagh 20/1; Antrim 40/1

FIXTURES

Preliminary Round

Sunday, May 17th: Donegal v Tyrone, Ballybofey, 4pm

Quarter-finals

Sunday, May 24th: Cavan v Monaghan, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm

Sunday, May 31st: Fermanagh v Antrim, Brewster Park, 4pm

Sunday, June 7th: Derry v Down, Celtic Park, 2pm.

Sunday, June 21st: Armagh v Donegal/Tyrone, tbc, 2pm.

Semi-finals

Sunday, June 21st: Cavan/Monaghan v Fermanagh/Antrim, tbc, 4pm

Saturday, June 27th: Derry/Down v Armagh/Donegal/Tyrone, tbc, 7pm

Final

Sunday, July 19th: Semi-final winner v Semi-final winner, tbc, 2pm.

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