Derry set to plunder spoils from Orchard

Derry v Armagh

“Well, either side could win it,” the former Manchester United manager and pundit reasoned when asked for a prediction, “or it could be a draw.”

It is tempting to leave any preview of this one at that as it is frustratingly hard to call.

On league form, it is a no-brainer. While Derry were relegated to the second tier after five defeats, Armagh plotted a path in the opposite direction but Damien Cassidy has already dismissed the significance of that barometer and we are inclined to agree.

Cassidy was quick to hand around game time in the league and has been boosted by the return from injury of a number of key players, men like Enda Muldoon, and they will be defending an unbeaten home championship record that stretches back to 1994.

Facing them is an Armagh side that has made appreciable strides under new manager Paddy O’Rourke, one with an impressive spine that did a number on a previously unbeaten Down side in the Division Two final.

Aaron Kernan’s redeployment to centre-forward has recorded dividends thus far but it remains to be seen if it continues to pay off in the summer while the injury worries that see Ronan Clarke start on the bench leave Steven McDonnell with a heavy burden in front of goal.

Nip and tuck then but a replacements list that numbers Muldoon, Kevin McCloy, Declan Mullen, Joe Diver and James Kielt might just be enough for the home side to shade it.

- Verdict: Derry