Tight game likely as stakes are high in all-Ulster clash

SFC QUALIFIERS:A HORRIBLE draw for both teams. Seeing this match as a mere extension of the provincial championship, they will tear into each other. At least that ensures no room for complacency from these qualifier experts.

Having both underperformed in the Ulster championship, losing to surprise packages Fermanagh, the managers, Séamus McEnaney and Paddy Crozier, would both have preferred a soft touch today to get their campaigns back on track.

The stakes are high so a tight contest is almost guaranteed but the return of Fergal McCusker to the Derry midfield, along with the unavailability of suspended Monaghan duo Paul Finlay and Gary McQuaid, edges the tie towards the visitors (It's hardly home advantage though, is it?).

With matters coming down to the most marginal of differences, if Kevin McCloy can contain Monaghan full forward Vincent Corey the Derry attack should do enough to prevail.

MONAGHAN:P McBennett; D Mone, JP Mone, D McArdle; D Freeman, D Hughes, P McGuigan; E Lennon, B McKenna; C McManus, D Clerkin, S Gollogly; R Woods, V Corey, T Freeman.

DERRY:TBC

Monaghan v DerryToday, Clones

Throw-in -3pm Live on TV3