Home advantage huge for Armagh – Devenney

Former Donegal forward Brendan Devenney believes that home advantage will be a huge aid to Armagh on Saturday evening.

The Orchard County host Donegal in the Box-It Athletic Grounds, with two important league points up for grabs.

It’s the third time Donegal have had to travel to an Ulster rival, having also faced Tyrone and Monaghan away from home.

Paddy Carr’s men lost out on both occasions. Tyrone overcame Donegal by eight-points, 0-16 to 0-8, while Monaghan won by the same margin, 1-20 to 0-15.

Like Armagh, the Tir Chonaill men haven’t won a game since the first round of the league.

They defeated All-Ireland champions Kerry on the opening day and currently sit on three points, just below Armagh on score difference.

“I just think at the minute, playing Ulster teams away from home is not what Donegal want,” said Devenney.

“We lost by double scores to Tyrone; we lost heavily in the end to Monaghan. So, that doesn’t give us great hope going up to Armagh.

“I think in Ulster, it’s Armagh and Derry that everyone is looking at as the up-and-coming teams.

“The fact that we’ve had two tough away games to Tyrone and Monaghan would make Armagh huge favourites going into the weekend.

Devenney hopes Donegal can keep in the game, similarly to the way they did against Galway last weekend.

Donegal earned a 1-9 apiece draw and if they can do that against Armagh, Devenney gives them a chance.

“I’d be hoping we stick in the game, a bit like we did with Galway after the Monaghan performance,” added the former Donegal sharpshooter.

“For Donegal it’s all about staying in the game until the last quarter and then seeing what happens.

“It’ll probably be similar tactics that Armagh used away to Kerry last week, I think that’s what Donegal will do.”