Letterkenny hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Donegal in recent years, so their ‘home advantage’ may not count for much this weekend.
The Tir Chonaill men have developed Ballybofey into a real fortress, despite their recent blip against Monaghan.
But they haven’t won in Letterkenny since 2014. In the meantime, Galway, Fermanagh, Kerry, Roscommon and the Farney men have all tasted success in the venue.
That surely inspires some hope for Kieran McGeeney’s travelling side this Sunday. But the question is, do Armagh want to reach a league final?
Even a win doesn’t guarantee entry into the decider, but victory offers their best possible chance. A Mayo defeat will see Armagh qualify should they prevail
The league final is another big game against Kerry in Croke Park. No doubt a valuable experience for the current Orchard crop.
Upcoming championship
But it being so close to championship, perhaps Armagh would prefer to focus entirely on Donegal for the next month.
Sunday’s clash is the curtain raiser to what is a much more important and significant game coming down the tracks.
Armagh have made huge strides in 2022 but now they must back in up in the Ulster championship.
Donegal on the other hand have to win on Sunday to secure their top tier status unless other results go in their favour.
They’re coming off the back of two defeats to Monaghan and Dublin and won’t want to see that theme continue.
But this game is all about Armagh and how they decide to approach it. If they want to win, Geezer will send his strongest possible line out to get the job done.
If not, perhaps they’ll try out a few new tactics and give game time to some fringe players.
Armagh aren’t exactly in the position where they can just pick and choose which games they want to compete in but taking their foot off the gas slightly may not be the worse idea.
Either way, Letterkenny offers hope for any travelling team and whatever side McGeeney fields will surely be out to win.
