Armagh are going to have to get their match ups perfect this evening to be in with a chance of toppling the Dubs.
Kieran McGeeney has named his team to start, but there’s always the possibility that there may be changes.
Ciaran Higgins, Ross McQuillan, Niall Grimley and Stefan Campbell are the standout omissions from the named line up.
The likes of James Morgan, Ciaron O’Hanlon and Conor Turbitt are other strong options of the bench.
Armagh match ups
Aidan Forker is Kieran McGeeney’s most trusted man marker. His role will be crucial today.
At full back, he’ll likely go toe-to-toe with Dublin’s most experienced inside forward Cormac Costello.
Paddy Burns and Mark Shields are other options if Forker is needed further out the field.
Armagh will want to tie down Ciaran Kilkenny, and Kieran McGeeney may hand that job to the Maghery man.
Niall Rowland earns his first league start since 2018. He could line out at centre half back to pick up the Dublin playmaker.
At midfield, the big question is who shadows Brian Fenton. Ciaran Mackin looks the best fit, but it’s a big ask for the Shane O’Neill’s man, making his first league appearance.
Ben Crealey is the other option at centerfield and perhaps the pair will take turns at limiting Fenton’s influence.
Dublin rearguard
As expected, Lee Gannon comes straight into the Dublin team and is likely to pick up Jason Duffy with David Byrne on Aidan Nugent.
With no Michael Fitzsimmons, Johnny Cooper or Philly McMahon, Dublin could move John Small to full back.
Small is the Dessie Farrell’s best man-marker and Dublin’s biggest concern will be stopping Rian O’Neill.
If Small heads towards his defensive square, that may leave room for Murchan to move out to the wing, giving the Dubs plenty of pace breaking forward.
That could possibly suit Armagh to a certain extent, as Jemar Hall will likely be tasked to track Murchan.
