Armagh v Derry:THIS HAS all the makings of a classic Ulster football semi-final, although neither side would refuse an 'ugly' win. Armagh's quarter-final win over Down remains the best game of the championship so far, a riveting 70 minutes of end-to-end football with some great scores.
What ultimately decided it for Armagh was the greater spread of scoring forwards – none more impressive than Jamie Clarke.
Also impressive was the work-rate throughout the field, particularly of Charlie Vernon at midfield, and also recent Mayo recruit Billy Joe Padden, plus Aaron Kernan and Ciarán McKeever in defence.
Armagh played with a freshness and vigour not seen in recent years, and are no longer as heavily reliant on Steven McDonnell.
Derry looked steady enough in the quarter-final win over Fermanagh but come into the game on the back of seven Ulster semi-final defeats since their last provincial final in 2000. Manager John Brennan has made no secret of the “mental block” affecting his team.
Team captain Gerard O’Kane (thigh) misses out and is replaced by Brian Óg McAlary. Barry McGoldrick also comes in at wing forward in place of Emmett McGuckin. Paddy Bradley remains an obvious loss (with a cruciate tear), yet brother Eoin hit 1-4 against Fermanagh and Enda Muldoon is still a potent threat.
Hunger won’t be a problem.
ARMAGH: P Hearty; A Mallon, B Donaghy, K Dyas; A Kernan, C McKeever, P Duffy; K Toner, C Vernon; T Kernan, BJ Padden, M Mackin; M O’Rourke, S McDonnell, J Clarke.
DERRY: D Devlin; SL McGoldrick, K McCloy, D McBride; B McAlary, C Kielt, M Bateson; J Diver, M Friel; M Lynch, C O’Boyle, B McGoldrick; E Muldoon, E Bradley, C Gilligan.
Referee: D Coldrick (Meath).
In the last episode: In the Ulster preliminary round last year, Armagh won 1-10 to 1-7 in Celtic Park. Derry's last championship win over Armagh was in the 2007 All-Ireland qualifiers, while their last Ulster success over the Orchard men was in 1998.
You bet: Armagh are 4/5 favourites, with Derry at 11/8, while the draw is going at 7-1.
On your marks: Derry were up 1-12 to 0-2 against Fermanagh in the quarter-final, and would love a similar dream start here – but the key will be containing Armagh's dangerous forward line, and hoping to win out in a tight finish.
Gaining ground:Derry kicked up a bit of a fuss when Clones was announced as the venue, claiming they were expecting the game to be fixed for Belfast or Omagh.
Just the ticket:This is being billed as an all-ticket game; Family ticket (Covered Stand) U16 £5/€5; Adult £23/€27; OAP covered stand £13/€15; terrace £13/€15. OAP terrace £9/€10; student Terrace £9/€10.
Crystal gazing:There is a reliable look about Armagh right now that should see them through to an eighth Ulster final since 1999.
