Armagh and Monaghan aren’t likely to produce many man-on-man battles. Both teams will defend with plenty of bodies back behind the ball.
A lot will depend on the availability of Conor McManus. If the Clontibret man starts, Aidan Forker will most definitely pick him up.
McManus hasn’t featured from the start so far this season, coming off the bench against both Tyrone and Mayo.
While he may not be up to full match sharpness just yet, her remains one of the most devastating finishers in the game.
Forker
Forker will lock horns with Jack McCarron on the edge of Armagh’s defensive square if McManus fails to start.
McCarron was in brilliant form last season before Forker’s introduction. The Maghery man really helped to settle the defence.
Armagh’s half back line will surely be a concern for Seamus McEnaney’s men. Jarly Og Burns has been incredible so far in the league.
Ryan McAnespie could be the man to tag Burns around the middle in an attempt to stop the Silverbridge man from steaming forward.
Darren Hughes netted last summer against Armagh, one of four goals scorers that day. His role will be interesting this evening.
He’s most likely going to be the designated sweeper, perhaps leaving Ciaran Mackin to enjoy a freer role.
Attacking half back line
The Farney men’s half back is one of their biggest strengths and they will be relentless on the break.
O’Connell, Ward and McCarthy, Man of the Match in the recent McKenna Cup game between the teams, are all well fit to kick a score.
Like McAnespie at the other end, perhaps Jemar Hall will be told to track McCarthy wherever he goes. Ward may pick up Rory Grugan, so that may limit his intentions to bomb forward.
Conor Boyle will go toe-to-toe with Rian O’Neill. The Crossmaglen man was brilliant last year, and Monaghan will be hoping to tie him down.
