Armagh v Kildare Preview

Kieran McGeeney will relish the opportunity of taking on his native county in the wake of Kildare’s impressive showing against Donegal.

Armagh, for their part, will take heart by the manner in which they edged past Laois in a close encounter. An intriguing encounter awaits in Crossmaglen.

Both sides suffered opening day defeats, but the graph has been well and truly on the upward curve since.

Orchard manager Paddy O’Rourke has deployed a more expansive game since he took over and his side are scoring freely, with defenders regularly popping up as unlikely scorers.

Maintaining a balance between defence and attack that doesn’t leave the former exposed is crucial for any team, and O’Rourke will be hoping that the equilibrium can pay rich dividends as Armagh eye up a productive summer campaign.

Steven McDonnell hit over 0-07 against Laois, and Aaron Kernan’s inclusion at half-forward has worked well so far.

The Orchard county have reasons to be cheerful, though injuries to forwards Ronan Clarke and Kevin Dyas is a setback.

Kildare head to Crossmaglen, with Paul Flood taking over from Thomas Corley in goal. Otherwise, McGeeney keeps faith with the side that put Donegal to the sword.

Last season, both of these sides played out an enthralling encounter in Newbridge, with Armagh edging it by two points.

Expect, something similar on Sunday, and if one is to closely examine the progression curve, then Kildare would appear to be that bit further along.

Verdict: Kildare