RTÉ GAA analyst Peter Canavan believes that Saturday's Division 1 meeting of leaders Derry and a rejuvenated Dublin brings together the best two teams in the country currently.
Mickey Harte’s side have made a blistering start to life back in the top flight with four wins from four and, speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, Canavan said that the Oakleafers will be determined to protect their unbeaten record in what will likely be their most difficult test to date.
Whatever the outcome, the Tyrone legend believes that other sides, Kerry included, are looking up at the two teams that will take to the field in the Maiden city.
"The ultimate test will come further down the line but in terms of his National League, this is by far their biggest test," the six-time All-Star said of Derry.
"It’s the two best teams in the country playing at the minute, and they’re playing really strong football. They’re [Derry] not top of the table by chance.
"Dublin’s performance last weekend [v Kerry], was their best I’d say... even counting the championship last year it was right up there. The quality of football I felt was as good and the players, their movement, was as good as I’ve seen [from] a number of those players for a few years. From a Dublin point of view, that’s very exciting.
"Derry have maintained their form level. A lot of people were saying after the Galway game that Derry didn’t play that well but they still went down to Salthill and scored 3-10. If that’s not playing well then God knows what we can expect whenever they do play well.
"I was at the game last year in Celtic Park, Derry and Dublin, and it was packed. There was a brilliant atmosphere in Celtic Park back then and it’s going to be no different this Saturday.
"Brilliant spectacle for those lucky enough to be at it, there’ll be a really good atmosphere at it and a really good buzz.
"The way the two teams are going, I can’t see them disappointing."
Not only will Saturday’s game, to be screened live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, provide the two best teams in the country currently, according to Canavan, but it will also bring together two of the game’s elite midfielders - Derry’s metronome Conor Glass and two-time Player of the Year Brian Fenton.
"The big one for me in this clash on Saturday night is the Glass-Fenton one," Canavan said.
"I think you have two of the best midfielders in the country without a doubt, without a shadow of a doubt in my opinion.
"They’re so influential; when Brian Fenton plays well...he played his best football last weekend and Dublin played the best football that they’ve played for a long time.
"Likewise with Glen, whenever Conor Glass performs – he's the leader of that Glen outfit and very similar with Derry.
"It’ll be great to see them going head-to-head. I wouldn't be surprised if the managers might have other men lined up to do a job on them, but if they do go head-to-head then it’s worth paying the entrance fee to watch those two boys go at it."
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