Following a relentless and uncompromising clash at Breffni Park last Saturday, Donegal and Monaghan renew acquaintances for a second time in a week and five times in four years in their Ulster semi-final replay this Saturday at the same venue.
Conor McManus, subdued for much of the encounter, popped up with three last-gasp scores to keep Monaghan's hopes of retraining their Ulster title in tact while Donegal will rue a missed chance to gain revenge for their one point defeat at the hands of the Farney County in last year's Ulster final.
Many expected a defensive, cagey affair but there was plenty on offer to suggest that the return tie will be as exciting a game as we have seen this summer to date.
Monaghan's running game is something to behold and they may have fancied their chances against a Donegal side who are yet to catch fire under Rory Gallagher, which resulted in plenty of chances for Michael Murphy and his supporting cast last Saturday evening.
The one thing that worked for Donegal was their game plan to shut down Conor McManus, who had a desperately quiet evening and was deployed on the half forward line close to the end in an effort to get him involved. He kicked some massive frees but will be disappointed with his contribution from play.
Monaghan will surely adapt to ensue he does get his hands on plenty of ball while Donegal will aim to repeat the man marking of Monaghan's captain and improve on their tackling, which bordered on sloppy at times last week.
Both Malachy O'Rourke and Rory Gallagher have named the same teams to line out against their opponents with Neil McGee still suspended and no place in Monaghan's starting 15 for Dessie Mone..
Donegal's starting 15 to play Monaghan: M McGinley, P McGrath, C Gillespie, E McGee, R McHugh, K Lacey, F McGlynn, R Kavanagh, O Mac Niallais, A Thompson, M McElhinney, E McHugh, P McBrearty, M Murphy, M O’Reilly.
Monaghan's starting 15 to play Donegal: R Beggan, C Walshe, D Wylie, R Wylie, K Duffy, V Corey, F Kelly, D Hughes, K O’Connell, O Duffy, R McAnespie, S Carey, C McCarthy, K Hughes, C McManus.
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