Sold out long ago. At a time when they’d try to fool you into thinking Ulster football will drive people away from watching the GAA.
The nation is expecting fireworks from Armagh and Donegal on Sunday and everyone just knows that we’re going to get them.
No matter what happens, this game is going to be tight. It might not always be pretty, it won’t even be fair or clean half the time but you won’t be able to take your eyes off it.
The Ulster champions walk right into the Orchard this weekend to try and book a place in the semi final of the provincial championship and you can be damn sure that Kieran McGeeney does not want them leaving alive.
Anthony Thompson replaces Martin O’Reilly in the Donegal line-up as the only change for Rory Gallagher’s men from the Tyrone win and here’s how we’re expecting both sides to line up.
Thompson coming back in is only natural but it’s also nearly a bow of respect to the opposition this weekend. Donegal are taking no chances.
The Armagh team could change about 19 times before throw-in and they have different options from the bench – like Ciaran O’Hanlon – who could give the side a bit of drive at any stage.
But, whilst the pre-game circus will focus on two of the best forwards in Ireland, neither outfit will be so naive to let the other off the leash.
McGeeney has been allowing his Crossmaglen starlet to roam around the field, pick up possession and dictate play where he can – as long as he is getting ball in hand, it doesn’t really matter.
But he can expect Paddy McGrath to be sharing shorts with him on Sunday and, if Clarke picks up the ball in any sort of area of danger, he won’t be allowed to breathe. Donegal will be on red alert.
The same goes for the other side of the field.
Of course, trying to deal with a multi-diverse threat like Murphy poses more problems but Armagh have the muscle to at least contest with him.
Vernon will follow Murphy even when he goes out the field and that will suit the Orchard full back who could drive at the opposition posts with even more comfort if he finds himself in the middle.
That pattern might repeat itself a few times because McGeeney will have the option of Findon dropping in to do a ‘Justin McMahon role’ on Murphy to free up Vernon and inject power and energy into the side.
Because those runs are where the game will be won.
Clarke might not be the difference for Armagh on the scoreboard but his presence could well be.
He needs to get on ball, he needs to occupy the Donegal backline, worry them. Because then, the rest of the lads can go to town.
Kevin Dyas, in particular, will take great pleasure in steaming forward from deep if the opposition get sucked in.
What Clarke could also do is free up someone like Andrew Murnin – if he plays – inside for just a few seconds. A big man like that left alone with his marker on the inside line could wreak absolute havoc and, as Odhran Mac Niallais’ goal showed last year, one crucial score could be the decider. And it probably will be.
Donegal’s second wave is even more effective though. McBrearty and Colm McFadden are living off scores on the recycle, coming off the shoulder, coming around on the loop and kicking easy points for both of their left feet.
Martin McElhinney had an absolute field day against Tyrone even in the midst of their uber blanket defence.
And what else should be worrying Armagh is Donegal’s ability to get inside the scoring zone and stopping the other team from entering. Check out their stats against Tyrone for example.
Donegal don’t waste their shots.
They do, however, force the opposition to.
Tyrone did get inside Donegal more times than you would have wagered but, for the most part, they were kept at bay.
And, when Donegal turn you over, they have the best quartet – one of the best half back lines ever (that’s right) – to pile up the field in mass counter attack and act as the key providers to their scoring threats.
They get inside the opposition scoring zone because of McGlynn, Thompson, Lacey and McHugh and, if Armagh commit – which they will have to in order to break the barrier – but don’t strike a blow on the scoreboard, this pattern could just churn out like Groundhog Day and it will be another routine Donegal win.
Tight, but routine. This is what they do.
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