FOOTBALL MATCHBOX

ARMAGH MONAGHAN Ulster SFC semi-final

Today, Pairc Esler, 4pm (Sky)

DELICATELY poised ties have been all too few in this Championship but this is one of them.

Armagh won the League opener in May, a game they had to go after having just come up from Division Two, despite the likelihood of a subsequent Championship meeting.

Monaghan have a habit of revitalising themselves just when you feel they’re on the wane but doubts over Conor Mcmanus (inset) and Darren Hughes tip the balance in Armagh’s favour.

VERDICT: Armagh DONEGAL TYRONE

Ulster SFC semi-final

Tomorrow, Brewster Park, 1.45pm (BBC/RTE) DONEGAL have reasserted their authority in this fixture in the last couple of years but must lift their performance levels considerably on last Sunday’s showing against Derry if that is to be maintained.

A fit Michael Murphy from the start will go a long way towards ensuring that happens.

But Declan Bonner will keep us guessing right up to throw-in.

The chances are that he’ll be on the pitch long enough to see his side into another Ulster final.

VERDICT: Donegal KILDARE WESTMEATH

Leinster SFC semi-final

Tomorrow, Croke Park, 2pm (GAAGO)

IF Kildare are to build on the considerable underage promise of recent years, then opportunities like this just can’t pass them by.

They reached the 2017 Leinster final but are no further on now and it remains their only decider in the last 11 seasons.

Westmeath have been competitive under Jack Cooney (inset) but Kildare get a hesitant vote.

VERDICT: Kildare

DUBLIN MEATH Leinster SFC semi-final

Tomorrow, Croke Park, 4.30pm (GAAGO)

ON the surface, this looks like an opportunity for Meath to trouble Dublin for the first time in years given how relatively unsettled the champions’ camp appears to be.

However, a similar narrative prevailed before last year’s Leinster final and Dublin coasted to a 21-point victory.

It’s unlikely to be so comprehensive this time but, still, it’s very difficult to imagine Dublin being in any danger deep into the second half, despite their inertia against Wexford.