Now that both teams have released their starting line ups for Sunday’s Ulster final, we’ve taken a look at the possible match ups.
There could well be a number of changes to the teams that actually take the field for the throw-in on Sunday.
But for the purpose of this exercise, we’ll go with what both managers have named as their starting teams.
For Armagh, James Morgan or Barry McCambridge may be in from the start. Likewise, Ciaran McFaul is a strong contender for a starting place in Derry.
Derry defence
From the outset, Armagh have six scoring forwards named in the starting team, so Derry’s match ups will be crucial.
Chrissy McKaigue is the main man-marker usually and he picked up Rian O’Neill when the sides met in 2020.
But McKaigue usually picked up the most dangerous threat closest to goal, and this season, that’s been Conor Turbitt.
That will see Padraig McGrogan going to O’Neill, with Eoin McEvoy lining up alongside Andrew Murnin.
Conor McCluskey may move out into the half back line to shadow Rory Grugan, with Conor Doherty on Jason Duffy.
That leaves Gareth McKinless placed at his usual centre half back spot, picking up Stefan Campbell.
Midfield battle
The midfield battle is a hugely intriguing one and whoever wins comes out on top will have a big chance to claim the Anglo Celt.
The pairing of Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, midfield partnership in the country.
Their coming up against a fairly rookie duo of Ben Crealey and Shane McPartlan. Neither featured in the league for Armagh.
Jarly Og Burns could go to the middle and pick up Glass, just as he did in 2020. McPartlan possibly will go toe-to-toe with Rogers.
That could see Crealey picking up the likes of Padraig Cassidy, who’ll play out around the middle.
Armagh match ups
Barry McCambridge could be a late addition to the Armagh defence. And if he is, he’ll likely line out on Derry dangerman Shane McGuigan.
But as he’s not named to start, that job looks like it could fall to Aidan Forker. The versatile Maghery man has been Armagh’s go-to marker for a number of years.
Aaron McKay could possibly line up beside Niall Loughlin, with Conor O’Neill coming up against Niall Toner.
Ciaran Mackin has the athletic ability to track Ethan Doherty up and down the field for the duration of the game.
Greg McCabe will face Paul Cassidy, although McCabe could spend a lot of his time as the spare man at the back.
