Ciarán Whelan has not been overly impressed by Armagh's Allianz League campaign, however, the former Dublin midfielder is far-from writing the All-Ireland champions off for the season ahead.
Whelan believes that Armagh are not too enthused about the current league campaign but expects them to have fully adjusted to the new rules within the game ahead of the start of the defence of Sam Maguire.
Armagh, of course, were one of the teams to voice their disapproval of the new rules' introduction, and their lacklustre campaign is most likely a result of a slow adjustment for the Orchard County, who felt that their game was perfectly placed to live within the old format.
Of course, they showed that was the case in 2024 as they brought Sam home, however, they have started the new year slowly, losing two games of their opening three fixtures.
"They still have the quality and it is taking them a little time to embrace the rules and the changes, because we know they were not that for it, and that was understandable," said Whelan, speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast. "So there is an element of reset for them."
That said, Whelan felt that they have a bit of work to do to get up to speed with the form team, table toppers Donegal, who have a 100% record thus far.
And Jim McGuinness' side had eight points to spare in last weekend’s clash between the two Ulster heavyweights, with Donegal now one of the main favourites to win this year’s championship.
"Looking at them last week I though Donegal were a good step ahead of them," said Whelan.
"I thought they lacked a bit of potency in the forward line without the likes of Rory Grugan who really makes them tick, he’s their leader in there.
"And there is also the elephant in the room with Rian O’Neill missing, and the leadership he gives them.
"While they kicked a couple of two pointers, and got back to within two points, and you were thinking they could back into the game, but Donegal were comfortable.
"So I don’t think Armagh are too bothered about the league, they’ll get their four or six points, they have enough quality, they have the structure there and have a very good counterattacking game. So I’d expect that they will win this weekend."
Armagh entertain Mayo on Saturday as the two struggling sides go head-to-head, and while Whelan expects Armagh to turn things around, he is less sure of Mayo’s hopes for the year ahead.
"They had a very poor game last week," said Whelan.
"I’d be worried about Mayo’s forward line and their ability to get scores. They really look to be struggling around the outside of the arc in terms of their creativity, movement, and getting lads on the ball.
"They did nothing last week to indicate to me that they will go up and turn over the All-Ireland champions."
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