There are some interesting match ups that could unfold on Sunday when St Patrick’s and St Paul’s cross swords.
Both sides favour attacking football but will have to be cautious of their defensive setups at the other end.
In Aidan Nugent and Andrew Murnin, two of the best forwards in the county could have a big say.
Who picks them up is key, but there are a few other star men from both sides that will take watching.
Murnin match up
If Cullyhanna can keep Andrew Murnin quiet, then they will go a long way towards winning this game.
The All-Star nominations recorded a hattrick the last day out against Keady and has hit six championship goals.
Sean Connell looks tailor made for him and full back. But Connell will want the likes of Kieran McCooey and Jamie Quinn helping out.
Sean Og Irwin, a 2019 Club All-Star, is one of their go-to man-markers and he’ll likely pick up Niall McParland.
Phelim McArdle may line out at centre half back, if Mickey Murray doesn’t start, to shadow Ryan Lawless.
Cullyhanna will also be mindful of Mark Agnew and Antion McParland on the wings. Both men are capable of raising a couple of white flags.
Middle eight
The midfield match ups will be intriguing as all four midfielders like to attack and get on the scoresheet.
Niall McCorry and Pearse Casey look like the two fielders for both teams, so they could go toe-to-toe.
Eoin McConville and Jason Duffy may start on each other, but there may not be much man-marking done.
Both will be confident of outscoring the other and both don’t shirk responsibility will it comes to defending.
St Paul’s rearguard
As much of Cullyhanna’s defensive work will be plotted around stopping Murnin, St Paul’s will put as much time into dealing with Aidan Nugent.
Only James O’Hara (Keady) has scored more in the IFC than Nugent, who has been in sparkling form.
Nugent and Tony Donnelly could form a two-man full forward line. Ryan McCaughley and Declan Magee seem to be the St Paul’s taggers.
Shea Hoey has been in great form as well so St Paul’s will want to halt his influence. Shea Murphy could be the man tasked with that job.
For pace alone, Odhran Magill is the obvious match up for Ross McQuillan. That leaves Daniel McDonald on Caolan Reavey.
St Paul’s seemed to play without a sweeper against Keady, but they may be a bit more cautious on Sunday.
