Tyrone are already on the back foot having lost to Derry in the opening round, while Donegal salvaged a point from their encounter with Sligo.
The home side are obviously targeting promotion, while Jim McGuinness’ men are looking at consolidating their position in the second tier.
The Red Hands are without the injured quartet of Joe and Justin McMahon, Conor Gormley and Philip Jordan, while Colm Cavanagh is still serving a suspension.
Better news for Mickey Harte is that Owen Mulligan has returned from Australia and will be available for selection.
Davy Harte, badly missed in the defeat to Derry, should return at right-half-back, while Damien McCaul, who was out for two years with a cruciate setback, gets another chance to show his worth in the full-back line.
Donegal defender Neil McGee picked up a hamstring injury against Sligo and was expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, but the defender has declared himself fit.
Former manager Brian McEniff praised the manner in which Donegal hauled themselves back against the Yeats County and feels that McGuinness is the man that can chart a more productive path for the side.
Winning in Healy Park would instill much needed confidence, but it won’t be an easy task.
Tyrone, for their part, will want to bag maximum points in advance of some difficult away trips later in the spring. That desire may ultimately prove crucial.
Verdict: Tyrone
