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Donegal V Armagh

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Replying To Gaa_lover: "I remember it well, Armagh had a strange year back then. Relegated to Div 3 and so close to reaching All Ireland semi final and beat Tyrone on route to the last 8. Donegal have done really well in Ulster the last number of years the opposite of Armagh. I'd expect a 5 to 7 points win for Donegal in this game as this current Armagh side defensively aren't good enough to get any closer or cause upset." And the key change in Armagh since then is the change of management but people still hail Geezer as the saviour? It baffles me. DL_Man (Donegal) - Posts: 89 - 05/11/2020 15:31:30 2305360 Link
Donegal are a super team, top 5 along with the dream-team, Kerry, Galway, Tyrone. We are massive underdogs with a poor backline. We definitely think we can give this a shot but also aware that Donegal are a mighty team who could well dominate this game and win comfortably. That said; beware the underdog... especially in Ulster. Here's to a great game! ardmhacha (Armagh) - Posts: 19 - 08/11/2020 00:10:33 2305980 Link
I'm really looking forward to this one. Armagh are an up and coming team with very good forwards but a not so good defence. Donegal are an excellent team and on their day they are a match for the very best in Ireland. I think Armagh will be up for challenge but ultimately will fall short as Donegal's class will tell in the end. Saying that, I didn't see the Cork result coming so you never can say never... MartinEgan (UK) - Posts: 28 - 11/11/2020 16:07:22 2307655 Link
Donegal will be going all out here without caution. I think that Armagh are capable of an upset. I will stick my neck out and say without being cute, that we have a great chance here of getting to the Ulster final again. Let's see. Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3770 - 11/11/2020 18:22:02 2307714 Link
Replying To Donegalman: "Donegal will be going all out here without caution. I think that Armagh are capable of an upset. I will stick my neck out and say without being cute, that we have a great chance here of getting to the Ulster final again. Let's see." Only reason I'm hoping for Donegal win is they've better chance of All Ireland than Armagh. Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 276 - 11/11/2020 19:03:34 2307736 Link
Replying To JoeSoap: "That Down side beat the reigning All-Ireland champions and only lost the final by a point, they were excellent coming through the qualifiers with Marty Clarke transforming them. There was a bit of magic about them that year with it being 50 years from their first win." Thanks Joe , That Down team was one hell of a team , Also think if big Ambrose Rodgers had of played that day we would have won , But look , on Meath , They do produce the odd good footballer, and a good few mouthpieces, unfortunately the ballers have dried up, On the Donegal Armagh game , a wet pitch might even things up a bit , but i fancy Donegal by 4 or 5 germac (Down) - Posts: 291 - 11/11/2020 20:49:46 2307789 Link
Replying To germac: "Thanks Joe , That Down team was one hell of a team , Also think if big Ambrose Rodgers had of played that day we would have won , But look , on Meath , They do produce the odd good footballer, and a good few mouthpieces, unfortunately the ballers have dried up, On the Donegal Armagh game , a wet pitch might even things up a bit , but i fancy Donegal by 4 or 5" Rodgers a massive loss without a doubt, a classic case of the club and county fixtures getting mixed up together and nobody winning in the end. Like I said there was a bit of magic about Down all summer in 2010, though you'd never know going to extra time in Ballybofey in that first round that yous would make the final. Lots of talk now in other threads about scrapping qualifiers etc., but that year is a great example of what can happen when a team catches fire. That Cork side really should have won more All-Ireland's as well. And I know I mentioned him already but Marty Clarke was one of the finest footballers I ever saw in the flesh, he shone bright and brief but what a player. O'Leary did some job to shackle him in the final. On to the weekend, I think we've the better footballers and the better depth. All things being equal we should be beating Armagh and if we've bigger ambitions (and we do), we need to be focussed and professional about the game - but they're dangerous in my view. Great forwards and they are more physical around the middle than Tyrone so will be more of a challenge for the likes of Langan, Thompson and McGonagle who are a bit younger. However as mentioned by a lot of folks already I would say their defence gives up a lot of frees and I think we will punish them. Would also expect McBrearty to make an impact. Armagh and Down are two sides I'm always nervous of playing, Armagh because of the scar tissue over so many years and Down because they have a swagger if the confidence gets going and they can be hard stopped, especially if they get goals. Even though it hasn't been the case in recent years I'm always wary playing Down. Monaghan and Tyrone you always know will be a hard, tough game but there's a different sort of nervousness facing Armagh and Down, from my own POV. JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1125 - 12/11/2020 22:44:11 2308203 Link
Replying To JoeSoap: "Rodgers a massive loss without a doubt, a classic case of the club and county fixtures getting mixed up together and nobody winning in the end. Like I said there was a bit of magic about Down all summer in 2010, though you'd never know going to extra time in Ballybofey in that first round that yous would make the final. Lots of talk now in other threads about scrapping qualifiers etc., but that year is a great example of what can happen when a team catches fire. That Cork side really should have won more All-Ireland's as well. And I know I mentioned him already but Marty Clarke was one of the finest footballers I ever saw in the flesh, he shone bright and brief but what a player. O'Leary did some job to shackle him in the final. On to the weekend, I think we've the better footballers and the better depth. All things being equal we should be beating Armagh and if we've bigger ambitions (and we do), we need to be focussed and professional about the game - but they're dangerous in my view. Great forwards and they are more physical around the middle than Tyrone so will be more of a challenge for the likes of Langan, Thompson and McGonagle who are a bit younger. However as mentioned by a lot of folks already I would say their defence gives up a lot of frees and I think we will punish them. Would also expect McBrearty to make an impact. Armagh and Down are two sides I'm always nervous of playing, Armagh because of the scar tissue over so many years and Down because they have a swagger if the confidence gets going and they can be hard stopped, especially if they get goals. Even though it hasn't been the case in recent years I'm always wary playing Down. Monaghan and Tyrone you always know will be a hard, tough game but there's a different sort of nervousness facing Armagh and Down, from my own POV." Something just came to mind when reading your post Joe and I think an interesting dilemma. If Paddy is fit for the weekend who will take the frees suited for a left footed player? Thompson has been excellent on them in his absence which is no surprise given his excellence on them for NC. Of course Paddy equally as adept. I imagine given Paddy's injury was his quad they might keep Thompson on them. It really is an area where Donegal are blessed. To have Paddy and Thompson for left footed kicks and Murphy and Langan if required for those off the right are riches not many teams have. Especially when you see so many teams struggle for that consistency with free taking like Tyrone for example it is some luxury to have. panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2458 - 13/11/2020 10:21:56 2308267 Link
Replying To panamasam: "Something just came to mind when reading your post Joe and I think an interesting dilemma. If Paddy is fit for the weekend who will take the frees suited for a left footed player? Thompson has been excellent on them in his absence which is no surprise given his excellence on them for NC. Of course Paddy equally as adept. I imagine given Paddy's injury was his quad they might keep Thompson on them. It really is an area where Donegal are blessed. To have Paddy and Thompson for left footed kicks and Murphy and Langan if required for those off the right are riches not many teams have. Especially when you see so many teams struggle for that consistency with free taking like Tyrone for example it is some luxury to have." I was thinking about that panamasam and to be honest I think we will keep Thompson on them regardless. I think in general consistency wise it's good to have one main man and if you have one for each side then all the better, but best not to mix up responsibilities too much. I have found it interesting that you see Thompson taking all frees that slightly favour a left foot, even if they're practically in front of the posts and 14 or 21 metres out and would expect Murphy to slot them with his eyes closed - if they're to that side even a little, then it's the left footed man's job. I like that consistency. The injury for Paddy is a factor too, you wouldn't want him straining any muscles that are still being built up, but even if fully fit I would leave the job with Thompson, he has earned it and been very consistent. Definite luxury though as you say, and lucky to have backups on the pitch if anyone is misfiring. JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1125 - 13/11/2020 10:39:46 2308276 Link
Looking forward to this think it could be the game of the weekend. Id nearly nearly think Armagh have a really good chance here, but i wouldn't be fan of Geezer as a coach/manager - wonderful player as he was. TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 3671 - 13/11/2020 10:44:30 2308278 Link
I think Armagh are definitely on an upward trajectory and certainly have enough quality players to hurt any team. But I just think they're still a rung below the levels that Donegal have been used to operating at for a few years now. I'd expect another very physical match where discipline will be vital. There's no love lost between these teams. Indeed the last time they met in the Div 2 league Eoghan Ban Gallagher was stamped on. I'm sure both managers will be sending the teams out to go at it hell for leather, but sensibly so at the same time. Armagh do have good forwards. But then so do we. I'd argue that we're a bit more solid and disciplined at the back than them which is why I'd give us the not to prevail by about 5 points. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 7075 - 13/11/2020 14:58:00 2308368 Link
I've tried all week to justify reasons why Armagh can win this one. (Because it would leave ourselves or Down a more winnable final). They won't. Donegal by 5. cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 4135 - 13/11/2020 15:28:36 2308378 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "I think Armagh are definitely on an upward trajectory and certainly have enough quality players to hurt any team. But I just think they're still a rung below the levels that Donegal have been used to operating at for a few years now. I'd expect another very physical match where discipline will be vital. There's no love lost between these teams. Indeed the last time they met in the Div 2 league Eoghan Ban Gallagher was stamped on. I'm sure both managers will be sending the teams out to go at it hell for leather, but sensibly so at the same time. Armagh do have good forwards. But then so do we. I'd argue that we're a bit more solid and disciplined at the back than them which is why I'd give us the not to prevail by about 5 points." Armagh probably left that one behind them. Remember playing them in Omagh in the McKenna Cup which will be similar conditions to tomorrow and them putting one over us. Of course not comparable in terms of players available and fitness levels. If anything will ensure the lads are fully tuned in tomorrow. panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2458 - 13/11/2020 15:43:12 2308385 Link
Replying To Saynothing: "Only reason I'm hoping for Donegal win is they've better chance of All Ireland than Armagh." Yes it would be great. Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3770 - 13/11/2020 16:18:17 2308400 Link
Donegal with McBrearty back. 5 points. IssacBall (Derry) - Posts: 42 - 13/11/2020 21:25:53 2308515 Link
Replying To JoeSoap: "Rodgers a massive loss without a doubt, a classic case of the club and county fixtures getting mixed up together and nobody winning in the end. Like I said there was a bit of magic about Down all summer in 2010, though you'd never know going to extra time in Ballybofey in that first round that yous would make the final. Lots of talk now in other threads about scrapping qualifiers etc., but that year is a great example of what can happen when a team catches fire. That Cork side really should have won more All-Ireland's as well. And I know I mentioned him already but Marty Clarke was one of the finest footballers I ever saw in the flesh, he shone bright and brief but what a player. O'Leary did some job to shackle him in the final. On to the weekend, I think we've the better footballers and the better depth. All things being equal we should be beating Armagh and if we've bigger ambitions (and we do), we need to be focussed and professional about the game - but they're dangerous in my view. Great forwards and they are more physical around the middle than Tyrone so will be more of a challenge for the likes of Langan, Thompson and McGonagle who are a bit younger. However as mentioned by a lot of folks already I would say their defence gives up a lot of frees and I think we will punish them. Would also expect McBrearty to make an impact. Armagh and Down are two sides I'm always nervous of playing, Armagh because of the scar tissue over so many years and Down because they have a swagger if the confidence gets going and they can be hard stopped, especially if they get goals. Even though it hasn't been the case in recent years I'm always wary playing Down. Monaghan and Tyrone you always know will be a hard, tough game but there's a different sort of nervousness facing Armagh and Down, from my own POV." Yea , Dublin, Donegal, Mayo, will have one eye on the big prize, Armaghs last two games ,Clare and Derry i think they conceded about 15 points against both, Neither of those 2 have anywere near the firepower Donegal have, for that very reason alone you should come through ok , and to be honest will be red hot favourites to win Ulster, but look Armagh wont go down easy and like yourselves have a fair bit of size about them, Looking foward to it germac (Down) - Posts: 291 - 13/11/2020 22:23:17 2308551 Link
Just cant see us beating Donegal, and no it ain't reverse psychology, our defence cant defend and gives away too many frees, yes we have a decent mid and forward line but I fear it wont be good enough to win today. Donegal to me are the only team left that could be capable of giving the Dubs a game. Obviously hoping to be proved wrong about today. sean og (Armagh) - Posts: 1017 - 14/11/2020 09:43:43 2308615 Link
Anyone else hear Armagh might be missing Rian O' Neill. TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 3671 - 14/11/2020 11:34:31 2308638 Link
One way traffic in the first half, McGeeney has his work cut out for him at half time. MuckrossHead (Donegal) - Posts: 4985 - 14/11/2020 13:50:02 2308672 Link
Donegal prob have the best squad of players outside of Dublin Some really talented young players there now To compliment the older experienced lads there allready rhudson (Galway) - Posts: 1216 - 14/11/2020 14:39:13 2308692 Link