Sunday’s encounter will be the third meeting between Armagh and Tyrone in the past two months. This one is definitely the most important.
Armagh earned their first victory over Tyrone since 2014 just three weeks ago. That should give them huge confidence heading into this weekend.
A Niall Grimley goal scrapped a draw in 2016 but apart from that share of the spoils, Tyrone have held the upper hand until this season.
The 2021 All-Ireland champions travel to the Athletic Grounds in search of their fourth straight win in the city venue.
2022: Tyrone 1-15 Armagh 2-15 (McKenna Cup R3)
Armagh claimed their first win over Tyrone since 2014. The Red Hands didn’t have many of their All-Ireland winners on the field, but Armagh enjoyed the victory over their old foes.
The Orchard dominated for long periods. A goal from midfielder Conn Kilpatrick just before the interval kept Tyrone in contention.
Jason Duffy and Rory Grugan rattled the net. Rian O’Neill picked up the Man of the Match award, scoring 0-3 and having a big hand to play in both goals.
2021: Armagh 2-10 Tyrone 2-15 (NFL R2)
This was definitely one that got away from the home side. They sat top of the mini-ulster league after beating Monaghan in round one.
Peter Harte traded goals with Jarly Og Burns in the first half while substitutes Mark Bradley and Conor Turbitt did likewise after the break.
Niall Morgan denied Stefan Campbell from the spot as Tyrone took over. Armagh challenged despite losing Aidan Forker, Ryan Kennedy James Morgan and Paddy Burns through injury.
Darren McCurry dazzled the hosts with 0-7 while Rory Grugan top scored for Armagh with 0-5.
2020: Armagh 3-15 Tyrone 3-18 (McKenna Cup R2)
If there was ever an advertisement for the McKenna Cup, this was it. Both sides contributed to a hugely entertaining game of football.
Tyrone shaded the contest on their way to the final of the pre-season competition, in which they ended up losing to Donegal in the Athletic Grounds.
Ronan O’Neill proved a handful in the full forward line and finished with 2-3, while Niall Sludden rattled off 1-2.
Rian O’Neill’s miss-hit free ended up in the net while Stefan Campbell and super-sub Rory Grugan also raised green flags.
2019: Armagh 0-14 Tyrone 0-16 (McKenna Cup Final)
Tyrone secured their 16th McKenna Cup title with a two-point victory over Armagh, who last raised the trophy in 1994.
The game boiled over on several occasions, with James Morgan, Aaron McKay and Ronan McNamee all seeing the line.
Darren McCurry helped himself to nine points and deservingly picked up the Man of the Match award.
Niall Grimley and Rory Grugan shared ten-points between them. Stefan Campbell, Rian O’Neill and Jamie Clarke also got on the scoresheet.
