DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness says Sunday’s encounter with Mayo in Dr Hyde Park will be an ‘absolutely huge game’.
Tyrone will face Cavan in Enniskillen at the same time as the Donegal v Mayo match and all four counties head into the final round on two points.
That means it is all to play for to see who tops the group, and who is eliminated from this year’s championship in last place.
The team that finishes second will have home advantage in the Preliminary Quarter-Final, while the third-placed team will be away at the last 12 stage.
Donegal have the better score difference but that will only come into the equation if three teams finish level on points. If two teams are on the same amount then it is decided by head-to-head and Tyrone have that advantage over Donegal.
Mayo appeared doomed when they were shocked by Cavan in their group opener but bounced back in style with a super 2-17 to 1-13 win over Tyrone.
It’s usually tasty when Donegal collide with Mayo although the rivalry has been dominated by the Westerners since McGuinness led his county to All-Ireland glory in 2012.
The sides have met ten times in the championship and the league since and Donegal have only won once, a Division 1 League game in 2016.
A large crowd is expected to attend the match in Roscommon where Mayo haven’t lost in 24 years so it all adds to what should be a lively afternoon.
“It’s a huge game, absolutely huge game,” said McGuinness.
“It was going to be a huge game anyway but they put a brilliant performance (in Omagh), really stepped to Tyrone, asked a lot of questions of them and took the game to them.
“Particularly in the first half their energy levels were serious so they didn’t allow Tyrone probably to get into that rhythm that they can be so dangerous in. So yes, we know what’s coming down the track.”
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