Donegal return to the scene of their All Ireland exit last summer and face the team who dumped them out when they face Dublin at Croke Park this evening.
On paper it looks like Pat Gilroy’s Dublin still hold all the aces.
But on form it could be advantage Donegal as Jim McGuinness’ side come off an impressive win against Mayo at Balyshannon last weekend.
All Ireland champions Dublin come into the game after a defeat by Down and really need to win if they are to remain in the hunt for the League crown.
Pat Gilroy admitted in the Evening Herald that the league has proven an example of how hard it will be for Dublin this year: “The challenge now is probably greater than in 2009 when it was pretty clear what needed to be done.
“We need to be better than we were last year, and I think we have gotten a good yardstick already in the league. The reality for us is, we’re All-Ireland champions so the only thing that can be a standard for us is to repeat that.”
It may be early days this season but Donegal could take a huge amount from victory over the Dubs, not least of all some vital league points.
Revenge for last year’s semi-final will not be in the Donegal manager’s thoughts.
What’s most important to him is that his side continues to develop.
“It’s early days this season and people will be pointing to last year’s semifinal but that’s not in my thoughts.
“I will be looking for a good team display and for the players to be following through on the things we have been working on,” he said.
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