This weekend's Ulster final is a hugely intriguing clash.
Donegal enter as the team with all of the pedigree on this stage, but they will face a Derry side in fantastic form. Not only that, but Rory Gallagher's men have also proven that they are not fazed by taking on a more fancied opponent.
They had little issue in dispatching of both Tyrone and Monaghan en-route to the final, two sides who entered as favourites to advance. Derry will no doubt fancy themselves to complete a hat-trick on upsets on Sunday afternoon.
Donegal also have a recent history of losing out to what many would consider to be less talented sides. In 2020 and 2021 they lost to Cavan and Tyrone respectively having entered the games as favourites on both occasions. Despite all of this, Peter Canavan fancies them to get the job done this weekend.
Peter Canavan backs Donegal to win Ulster final
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Tyrone legend said that despite possible concerns around 'hunger and motivation', Donegal should have enough scoring power to win the final. He also feels that they should copy their opponent's strategy of packing the defence and breaking at speed.
I would put Donegal as slight favourites here.
The big issue is hunger and motivation. When they were last in an Ulster final two years ago, the hungrier team won. They were bested by Cavan on intensity and work-rate.
This is Donegal's 10th Ulster final in 12 years, and if they show any signs of going through the motions, then Derry will eat them up.
I wrote last week about how the Oak Leaf County are the real deal. There is a great energy around the county of Derry at the minute, and the supporters are getting behind this team.
As their wins over Tyrone and Monaghan have shown, they are well set up and know exactly what they are doing.
I think Declan Bonner will look to replicate the Derry style. Donegal will play with 15 behind the ball. They have the ball-carriers to play that type of game. The speed is there to deploy a counter-attacking style.
They also have the players who can score from distance.
I don't think Donegal will be as wayward in their finishing as Monaghan were. So if they can match the intensity of Derry, then I expect Donegal will have the fire-power to see this one out.
These two sides met in last year's provincial championship, with Donegal running out as narrow one-point winners on that occasion.
It wouldn't be a surprise if we saw a similarly close contest this weekend.
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