The seemingly outlandish claims of a few months ago are about to be adjudicated upon. Cavan's inexorable progress to the brink of an Ulster title hasn't yet travelled through the inexplicable. It wouldn't have been any great surprise to be told that they could survive the less competitive side of the draw, but tomorrow, the county reaches the banks of the Rubicon.

Opponents Derry appear to hold an array of advantages. A so far successful blend of All-Ireland winning under-21s and seasoned campaigners, many with senior medals from four years ago, the team comes unchanged from the 12-point semi-final rout of champions Tyrone. Prior to that, Monaghan were dispatched by 11 points in a first-round replay.

Attacking exuberance of a style that wasn't associated with the All-Ireland winning team of '93, allied to the benefits of having played tougher opponents, makes Derry the more obvious candidates at Clones this weekend.

Cavan are, however, extremely fit and confident in a way that is founded on self-belief rather than self-aggrandisement. It is unlikely that they won't last the 70 minutes. Manager Martin McHugh has developed the team well and has the tactical inventiveness to spring a few surprises.

Going at their best, Derry are impressive. Against Tyrone, their centrefield dominated the game with Anthony Tohill playing a deeper role than usual and well complemented by Dermot Heaney. Controlling the match, Derry were able to supply their excellent full-forward line with the wherewithal to do real damage.

Those forwards represent Derry's best chance. In the corners, Joe Brolly and Joe Cassidy have been putting up consistently high scores and Seamus Downey has provided physical presence. Between the three of them they scored 2-8 of the 2-15 conceded by Tyrone and in every match they have contributed well over half the team's total.

The widespread perception in Ulster before the Derry-Tyrone match was that Tyrone would win because they would be more reliable in a tight and claustrophobic encounter. The theory was never tested because Tyrone's awfulness meant that the match quickly died.

In the aftermath, however, it was easy to forget that Tyrone had dominated the early exchanges and, had they matched every opportunity to its most suitable exponent, would have been well in front before Derry rallied.

It's also worth noting that when the rally came, it was from Gary Coleman at left wing back. Before Tohill took over he actually lost the first couple of contested balls with Seamus McCallan, as well as missing two kickable frees.

How are Cavan likely to fare in these areas? Their full-back line has been variable and may come under pressure, but McHugh has options. Centrefield is very good with Stephen King anchoring the excellent Dermot McCabe. Given their fitness, they are unlikely to allow the tempo of the game to flag and that will tighten it up considerably on Derry's previous two matches.

When Derry drew with Monaghan they looked vulnerable. Most obviously they were ill-at-ease under the high ball. Aerial bombardment is not a precision-tactic and won't of itself unhinge Derry, but were it to yield even one goal, it would be worth an occasional try. Damien Reilly's selection ahead of Mickey Graham in the corner indicates that there will be a few hoists in the direction of the Derry square.

Another noticeable aspect of the Cavan team is its adaptability. If the full backs get into trouble, Damien Reilly can journey back to his original position in the full-back line, with Terry Farrelly and McCabe adjusting accordingly. Completing the list of reservations about Derry is that concerning the fitness of centre back Henry Downey. If his rib injury isn't healed, it has to be to the detriment of his game which is of such importance to the team.

The form of the under-21s has been one of the most impressive aspects of Derry's progress to date, but it carries with it the downside of inexperience, although the team has a number of seasoned All-Ireland medallists and as a unit, will very probably win titles.

These triumphs may not, however, occur as soon as people think and this weekend, Cavan - as a unit - are further down the road and can create the conditions necessary to prove so.