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Donegal should have the answers

Putting together previews, the considerations are form, class, home advantage (if any) and team news.

In regard to the latter, Down are attempting to pull something of a stroke by naming Danny Hughes and Dan Gordon in the half-back line.

It’s almost a sign of weakness, or at least deference to the opposing team, that they have the stronger hand when resorting to such a stunt.

For sure, it will give the Donegal management something to think about, whether one or both are actually fit enough to play and if so where. But, you can be sure Jim McGuinness will have something in place to accommodate it.

Even if Neil Gallagher will be missed, Donegal can bring Michael Murphy further out the field although Leo McCloone’s appearance in the team suggests they could go with captain Paddy McBrearty and Colm McFadden inside.

Down’s defence is still shaky, irrespective of how much it’s compensated for by the in-form Conor Laverty and fit-again Benny Coulter.

But even at that, it’s individual skill they rely on.

Donegal are a system. Cork’s meanness in defence is renowned but the men from the north-west are beginning to catch them as the best goal-deniers.

Although Cork have conceded just two this season (one from a penalty), Donegal have given away just one goal in two Championship seasons under McGuinness. Down are a team that need goals. In all their senior championship wins under James McCartan, they have scored at least one.

They might find Donegal, who are themselves opening their shoulders slightly more scoring-wise if not as much as many believe, aren’t so charitable.

Expect the holders to retain their title, remarkably again from the preliminary round.

* Verdict: Donegal

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