Ulster club SFC semi-finals

Eoghan Rua Coleraine (Derry) v Scotstown (Monaghan), Healy Park, 1.30 A meeting of two clubs at the opposite ends of the tradition spectrum, with four-time winners Scotstown seeking to reach their second final in four years and Eoghan Rua trying for their first ever. Despite taking down Slaughtneil in Derry, Eoghan Rua are viewed as outsiders. Backboned by the McGoldrick tribe, Sean Leo, Barry, Colm and Ciaran, they will push hard all the way to the line. However, with the likes of All-Star goalkeeper Rory Beggan in their ranks, Scotstown should have too much.

Verdict: Scotstown Gweedore (Donegal) v Crossmaglen (Armagh), Healy Park, 3.30 It is a measure of Crossmaglen’s domination that, since winning the first of their 11 Ulster titles, this represents their secondlongest gap between provincial finals – the years 1999 to 2004 being their famine. However, the suspicion that this group is not at the level of their predecessors remains and their gritty two-point win over Coalisland last time out did little to change that. They will be tested by a Gweedore team who will welcome back Odhrán MacNiallais, although the season-ending injury to Kieran Gillespie is a blow. Still the Donegal champions have the quality to spring a minor surprise.

Verdict: Gweedore