Donegal's Ulster crown may have slipped but they are fancied to return to winning ways against Galway in today's round 4B qualifier at Croke Park.

Time ran out for the Michael Murphy captained outfit as they chased down Monaghan's lead in the Anglo Celt Cup decider two weeks ago and the 0-10 to 0-11 defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Rory Gallagher and his players.

"We have played four games and had three good wins," the manager commented this week. "And we have come up short narrowly in the other so we know what we have been doing well and what we need to work on.

"(Croke Park is) a tough spin for our supporters but from players' point of view they will be delighted to get back there.

"They have a lot of big-day experience there, and a lot of good memories and success."

Galway will be encouraged by the absence of former Footballer of the Year Karl Lacey from the Donegal line-up. Lacey's number six jersey goes to Anthony Thompson in what is the only change from the team that finished second best to Monaghan.

Gallagher's Galway counterpart Kevin Walsh has also made one change to his starting 15 with Adrian Varley getting the nod ahead of Peadar Og O Griofa.

The Tribesmen have successfully negotiated the hurdles of Armagh and Derry in the back-door series but experienced forward Gary Sice accepts that last year's defeated All-Ireland finalists represent a different proposition.

"I have no doubt that there will be a backlash from Donegal against us," the Corofin ace noted.

"People were giving them stick after the Ulster final but they only lost by a point. They had chances at the end of the game to draw or even win it and they had a lot of bad wides. The Donegal we face will be as good if not better than what they have been over the last few years.

"But it would be superb for Galway football to reach another quarter-final."

Verdict - Donegal.

Donegal team: Paul Durcan; Paddy McGrath, Neil McGee, Eamon McGee; Ryan McHugh, Anthony Thompson, Frank McGlynn; Neil Gallagher, Martin McElhinney; Christy Toye, Odhrán Mac Niallais, Mark McHugh; Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden.

Galway team: B O'Donoghue; J Duane, F Hanley, C Sweeney; L Silke, G O'Donnell, G Bradshaw; F O Curraoin, T Flynn; G Sice, P Conroy, M Lundy; A Varley, D Comer, D Cummins.

Match details: Saturday; Croke Park; 6pm; extra-time playable.

Referee: Eddie Kinsella.

Odds: Donegal 4/9; Draw 15/2; Galway 5/2.

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