Preview: SF qualifier: Armagh v Meath
August 02, 2014
Meath's Kevin Reilly with Stefan Campbell of Armagh.
©INPHO
Meath return to the scene of their Leinster final mauling at the hands of Dublin this evening and it will be interesting to observe if their scars have healed at all.
A 16-point humiliation at the hands of their arch-rivals is not something that Meath's players will forget in a hurry but their number one objective for the year - a place in the last eight of the championship - is still very much in their own hands.
In a break with the norm, Mick O'Dowd and his selectors haven't released a team which suggests the Royal starting 15 could see a number of changes from the Dublin defeat.
Paul Grimley is also keeping his cards close to his chest, to say the least, but it has emerged that inspirational half-back Ciaran McKeever is ruled out with a foot injury.
The Orchard County captain's absence could open the door for Aaron Kernan to regain his starting berth after his impressive showing against Roscommon following his introduction in Dr Hyde Park last weekend.
Finnian Moriarty is another option for Grimley and his selectors while injuries have also cast doubt over the participation of Kieran Toner, Caolan Rafferty and Ethan Rafferty.
0-19 to 2-10 was the scoreline in Armagh's favour when the two sides met in Division 2 of the league at Pairc Tailteann back in February and Jamie Clarke ran amok that evening with eleven points.
Momentum is very much on the side of the team in orange and white following their victories over Tyrone and Roscommon and they get the vote to advance to the last eight.
Verdict - Armagh.
Armagh team: tba.
Meath team: tba.
Match details: Saturday, Croke Park, 5pm, extra-time playable.
Referee: Rory Hickey (Clare).
Odds: Armagh 5/6, Draw 15/2, Meath 11/8.
Most Read Stories