Ulster SFC Final: Donegal and Armagh set for another Clones shootout
As for the holders, their expected progression to the provincial decider has been functional rather than particularly impressive – although there is that suspicion they have been keeping their powder dry, particularly in their most recent wins over Monaghan and Down.
Dara O Baoill was particularly impressive in the opening win over Derry in Ballybofey but that was a game where the Oak Leafers butchered several goal chances before Donegal took control late in the second quarter.
Donegal had to repel a second-half comeback from the Farney men before chiselling out 0-23 to 0-21 success in the quarter-final and Jim McGuinness’ side then laboured somewhat in the 1-19 to 0-16 victory over Down.
Michael Murphy, Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen and teenage talent Finbarr Roarty were all replaced well before the end two weeks ago as planning for the provincial decider was already under way.
The absence of centre half-back Caolan McGonagle’s physical presence and ability to drive at the opposition defence was evident in Donegal’s two most recent contests and his availability following his calf injury would be a big boost for the provincial holders.
Whether the Buncrana man plays or not, one must anticipate Donegal returning to the high tempo game that marked them out as early All-Ireland favourites a couple of months ago.
But while the focus will quickly move to the All-Ireland series after this weekend, nobody will be expecting anything other than a heavyweight ‘shootout’ between these two intense rivals.
And after he bulled head first into Michael Murphy’s chest – picking up a red card in the process – when greeting the Glenswilly man’s return to the inter-county stage in Ballybofey a couple of months ago, will Armagh skipper Forker – if indeed he is involved after being named on the bench amid his recent back issue – opt to get up close and personnel with the Donegal legend once more?
Watch the Ulster final on BBC Two NI & the BBC iPlayer from 16:55 BST on Saturday; live text commentary with in-game clips, report and highlights on the BBC Sport website