The full-house signs will be erected at Croke Park for the first time this year when Dublin and Donegal face off in the second of the All-Ireland football semi-finals tomorrow.

They don't come much bigger than this with the last two Sam Maguire winners set to battle it out for a place in the September 21 decider. In the corresponding fixture three years ago, Dublin squeezed past Donegal in a dour, defensive struggle which is remembered for the Ulster side putting 14 men behind the ball for most of the game.
Speaking on Thursday, Dublin manager Jim Gavin refused to speculate on whether the Ulster champions would be as defensive again.

"Donegal have a very strong defensive system and are very difficult to break down," he said.

"In attack, they're very competent. They manage the ball very well, great patterns of movement and get players into scoring positions. How they set themselves up, we can't dictate."

The All-Ireland champions, who have demolished all before them en route this juncture, will no doubt be riled by Jim McGuinness' comparison of them with Roman Abramovich's Chelsea. While odds of 1/8 are insulting to Donegal, they face a massive challenge to keep it tight and bridge the gap that would appear to have opened up between Dublin and the rest in recent times.

The men from the capital have improved immeasurably since 2011 (can the same be said of Donegal?) and have yet to be seriously tested in this year's championship. Donegal can provide them with that test, but it won't be enough to stop the Dublin juggernaut.

Verdict - Dublin

Dublin team: Stephen Cluxton; Mick Fitzsimons, Rory O'Carroll, Philly McMahon; James McCarthy, Johnny Cooper, Nicky Devereux; MD Macauley, Cian O'Sullivan; Paul Flynn, Kevin McManamon, Diarmuid Connolly; Alan Brogan, Eoghan O'Gara, Bernard Brogan.

Donegal team: TBC.

Match details: Sunday 31 August, Croke Park, 3.30pm.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

Odds: Dublin 1/8, Draw 16/1, Donegal 6/1.

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