The last time Armagh and Tyrone clashed in Omagh, there was a lot on the line, but tomorrow’s game means so much more.
Tyrone’s two-point win over their oldest rivals back in late March sent Armagh tumbling to Division Two for next season.
Tyrone on the other hand finished fourth in the table, just two-points shy of league leaders Mayo and Galway.
But come Ulster Championship time, it was the Orchard County who experienced the better campaign.
Armagh reached the Ulster final, losing to Derry after a penalty shootout, while Tyrone fell at the first hurdle to Monaghan.
Following a six-week hiatus, Tyrone headed to Salthill to get their season back on track but couldn’t get past Galway.
A first half red card for Frank Burns limited their chances and although the Red Hands played well, it wasn’t enough to get something from the game.
Armagh however, against Westmeath, were the complete opposite. Kieran McGeeney’s side were well under par but pulled it out of the fire to win by one.
And that more or less guarantee’s a place in the knockout stage of the competition. But a win tomorrow would see them move one step closer to the last eight.
Changes
McGeeney has made two changes to the starting line up that eventually overcame Westmeath. Armagh’s goal scorer Conor Turbitt is back amongst the starters.
Callum Cumiskey also gets the nod, coming into the defence for the injured James Morgan, who limped off after 22 minutes last weekend.
In that previous league meeting, which Armagh lost 0-18 to 0-16, the visitors were without talisman Rian O’Neill.
Andrew Murnin also left the field injured before half time, so to have those two back fit are massive boosts.
Tyrone need to win this one as another defeat will see them head into the final weekend against Westmeath needing a victory to remain in the competition.
Fergal Logan’s side will still be seething from last years championship meeting as well you’d imagine, when Armagh knocked them out of the championship convincingly.
So, it’s all to play for in Omagh and as always, Armagh will expect nothing easy. But if they perform at their maximum, they’ll have a brilliant chance of getting one over their old foes.
