"I suppose we will be going into this game as hot favourites but Fermanagh are coming into this game with absolutely nothing to lose while we will be expected to win quite comfortably."

That's the opinion of Malachy O'Rourke as he puts the finishing touches to Monaghan's preparations for tomorrow's Ulster SFC semi-final against his native county Fermanagh.

"What we really want to do now is stress to the players that they have to be well focused and totally grounded and ready to put in the work that we will need to put in, to win this match, because if we show any slackness at all or a lack of concentration Fermanagh can take advantage of that and do damage.

"Getting to the final would be a big prize in itself but it's going to take a major effort by all concerned."

The Farney County suffered a set-back when it emerged this week that Drew Wylie has been ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

That blow, however, was softened somewhat by the return of 2013 All-Star defender Colin Walshe who suffered a similar fate 12 months ago.

Fermanagh boss Pete McGrath is wary of the threat posed by Conor McManus: "Conor McManus is a forward who could get on any team in the country.

"You look at the Dublin and Kerry teams and I would say that if Conor McManus was from Dublin or Kerry he would be on their first 15.

"Of course you look at what tactics, game plans, defensive ploys or strategies you can put in place that might minimise Conor's contribution. That's a challenge for the player who is up against him and any other player who's delegated to try to be in close proximity to give a hand, and that's part of the modern game.

"Any forward who is a major threat knows that the opposition are going to try to put things in place - legally, legitimately - there'll certainly be no rough-house tactics from us. I can assure you of that. We'll maybe put someone in front of him or beside him, put your best man-marker on him."

Despite their promotion to Division 2, the Ernesiders were far from convincing in their 1-13 to 1-8 quarter-final victory over Antrim and it would be a major shock if they denied the Farney County a third Anglo Celt Cup final appearance in a row.

Verdict - Monaghan.

Monaghan team: Rory Beggan; Colin Walshe, Fintan Kelly, Ryan Wylie; Dessie Mone, Vinny Corey, Karl O'Connell; Neil McAdam, Darren Hughes; Ryan McAnespie, Kieran Hughes, Shane Carey; Paul Finlay, Dermot Malone, Conor McManus.

Fermanagh team: Thomas Treacy; Michael Jones, Niall Cassidy, Martin O'Brien; Declan McCusker, Ryan McCluskey, Barry Mulrone; Ryan Jones, Richard O'Callaghan; Darren McQuade, Ciaran Flaherty, Paul McCusker; Thomas Corrigan, Sean Quigley, Ruairi Corrigan.

Match details: Sunday; Kingspan Breffni Park; 4pm.

Referee: Padraig O'Sullivan.

Odds: Monaghan 7/4, Draw 10/1, Fermanagh 4/7.

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