Donegal -v- Derry

As the top division comes to an exciting climax, this is one of the winner-takes-all clashes that will decide who competes in the final on 27 April.

It is also a dress rehearsal for the Ulster SFC first round clash on 1 June, and neither side will want to give the other a psychological advantage going into that game as both sides, along with Monaghan, are among the favourites to land the Anglo-Celt Cup this summer.

This will be Derry’s second consecutive clash against opposition from the northern province, after the Oak Leafers saw off the challenge of a misfiring Tyrone last weekend, with Paddy Bradley hitting 0-07 on his return to form after a poor display down in Galway.

Paddy Crozier’s side have not been performing as well in recent weeks as they had been at the start of the season, but the right result here would ensure a successful campaign. And the availability of Sean Marty Lockhart, Niall McCusker, Raymond Wilkinson and Paul Cartin, who are all returning from injury, is sure to boost morale in the visitors’ camp.

While it might only be of little comfort, Derry’s superior score difference would mean that a draw in this game would be enough to see them through to the decider, providing Kerry were to fail to pick up full points against Galway in the other top four encounter.

Conversely, Donegal have a score difference of just plus three, and so they will probably need wins for both themselves and Galway if they are reach the final again.

With the game down for Letterkenny, Donegal will not have the benefit of the Ballybofey home that has served them so well for so long.

Colm McFadden was again their scorer-in-chief in the nervy win over Laois. That game saw diminutive forward Brian Roper make an appearance off the bench, and Donegal boss Brian McIver may use this game as a chance to give fellow veterans Adrian Sweeney and Brendan Devanney some crucial game time.

However, McIver will be keen for his side to defend the title they won for the first time last year and so may be conservative with his starting selection at least. Donegal’s experience from last year should prove the difference.

Verdict: Donegal