The only show in town this weekend? From a neutral perspective, the meeting of the defending Ulster/All-Ireland champions and league finalists is without question the big crowd-puller.

Ever since the draw was made, Sunday, May 26th was circled on the calendar as one to look forward to for gaelic football enthusiasts throughout the country.

Mickey Harte says Tyrone owe Jim McGuinness and his men a beating after finishing on the wrong end of the scoreline in their two most recent championship outings.

0-12 to 0-10 was the result when the two counties met in the semi-final of the Anglo Celt Cup race last June.

Tyrone gained a small measure of revenge when running out deserving four-point winners over 13-man Donegal at Healy Park in the third round of the FL Division 1 back in March.

The turning point of the game was the dismissal of Michael Murphy just before half-time after he had missed a penalty and the All-Ireland champions never recovered and lost 1-13 to 0-12. Donegal's woes were compounded when Neil Gallagher was sent off late on.

Donegal were subsequently relegated from the top flight while Tyrone progressed to the final where they narrowly lost out to Dublin despite lining out minus the services of captain Stephen O'Neill and Peter Harte.

Both are back in contention for this weekend's encounter while Donegal will welcome back 'Footballer of the Year' Karl Lacey. All Star Mark McHugh remains a concern with a hamstring complaint.

A question mark hangs over Donegal's hunger levels - can they replicate the same high intensity levels that delivered Ulster and All-Ireland glory in 2012?

Jim McGuinness played his cards close to his chest during the league but Sunday will tell a tale in that regard.

The only thing for certain, at this stage, is that no quarter will be asked or given by either side and Sean Cavanagh is probably correct when he suggests that referee Joe McQuillan will have his hands full.

Don't be surprised if a replay is required to separate these sides but we'll stick our neck out and go for a Tyrone win.

Verdict: Tyrone

Donegal: P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee; A Thompson, K Lacey, F McGlynn; N Gallagher, R Kavanagh; M McHugh, L McLoone, R Bradley; P McBrearty, M Murphy, C McFadden.

Tyrone: Niall Morgan; PJ Quinn, Conor Clarke, Cathal McCarron; Justin McMahon, Joe McMahon, Conor Gormley, Colm Cavanagh, Sean Cavanagh; Matthew Donnelly, Peter Harte, Mark Donnelly; Martin Penrose, Stephen O'Neill, Connor McAliskey.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)

Odds: Donegal 8/13, Draw 7/1, Tyrone 7/4

Match Details: Ballybofey; Sunday, May 26th; 4pm. Tweet

Most Read Stories