Armagh were convincing winners when these sides last crossed paths, just two weeks ago.
The Orchard County will be hoping they can repeat that victory this weekend, while Tyrone will be searching for revenge.
Friday’s clash will be the third meeting between the pair this season. The record currently tied at one win each.
The league encounter in early February now feels like a lifetime ago, and that game seemed to have little impact on the more recent Ulster Championship semi-final.
Tyrone were two-point winners in round two of the league but suffered a thirteen-point trouncing just over ten days ago.
With home advantage in Crossmaglen, Armagh were rampant and easily gained entrance to the provincial decider.
This weekend’s meeting is in the opening round of the All-Ireland group stages, with Mayo the other team making up group four.
Ronan Murphy’s side are sure to be carrying in all the momentum off the back of their impressive triumph and will look to keep on top of their rivals.
Aimee Mackin, Blaithin Mackin and Caroline O’Hanlon all hit the net in their recent clash with Tyrone and will hope to have the same impact on Friday.
All three were late additions to the starting line up that day, so perhaps they caught the Tyrone players and management off guard.
Its safe to say that will not happen again this weekend and the Red Hand County will be prepared for the trio.
Catherine Marley raised the other green flag in the four-goal rout and her influence along with Kelly Mallon will cause concern for Tyrone.
Armagh had the game won long before the full-time whistle sounded two weeks ago, leading at the interval 4-11 to 1-3.
A worry, if any, will be the second half performance as Tyrone outscored the winners 0-7 to 0-3 during that period, but were never going to catch their rivals.
Tyrone do have enough talent in their ranks to cause problems for the Orchard County, which was evident in their league clash earlier in the year,
Emma Brennan and Niamh Hughes make the red and white side tick. They will try to create and take scores from the half forward line.
Inside it’s Niamh O’Neill and Caitlin Kelly that Armagh will have to be mindful of, as they know where the posts are.
Clodagh McCambridge was the ‘Player of the Match’ two weeks ago and her performance at full back was inspirational for her side. Another big performance will be required.
Armagh know they face a much tougher test this time around and will have to be at their best to earn the two points.
Tyrone will be gunning for vengeance and need to up their game if they are to earn revenge for that humiliating defeat.
However, with form seemingly on their side, Armagh deservingly go into the game as favourites and should be able to repeat the result of a fortnight ago.
