RYAN FERRY takes a look at the big individual battles ahead of Sunday’s match.
Michael Langan v Odhran Murdock
Michael Langan is one of the best players in the country and will be central to Donegal’s plans this weekend.
The St Michael’s star can do it all with his height and athleticism and he is one of the top two-point shooters in the business.
However, an unheralded side of his game is his defensive work and he did well on that front when he picked up Odhran Murdock in the Ulster semi-final last year.
Donegal knew how pivotal Murdock was to Down and Langan tracked his every move.
It worked well last year so there’s a good chance we will see it once more this time out.
Murdock is a classy operator who can score off either foot but Donegal will have faith that Langan can get the better of this duel.
Brendan McCole v Pat Havern
Few forwards get the better of Brendan McCole but Pat Havern has caused him problems in the past.
There was a real surprise in the league final when McCole didn’t pick up David Clifford and Caolan McColgan was assigned that role instead.
However, it would still be a surprise if McCole doesn’t follow Havern this week.
The Saval man is Down’s main attacker and while he didn’t quite catch fire early in the league, he did post five points in the Division 3 final against Wexford.
Havern scored eight points against Donegal last year although some of those came in the last quarter when McGuinness’s side were in a commanding spot.
All-Star McCole has had a strong campaign and has marked Con O’Callaghan (Dublin), Rob Finnerty (Galway) and Daire Cregg (Roscommon) among others this year.
McCole will know all about Havern’s two-point threat and he will back himself to shut out the Down number 14.
Michael Murphy v Ryan McEvoy
As always there will be big focus on how Michael Murphy plays for Donegal on Sunday.
It was speculated earlier in the year that he could be used as an impact sub but it would be a surprise if he isn’t in from the off.
The Glenswilly man will have to watch his tackling but his physicality could be vital against a Down side that lack size.
Murphy has gradually been building his fitness and he rarely fails to perform for Donegal.
Ryan McEvoy is a seasoned campaigner for Down and he provides good versatility.
He usually plays at midfield for his club Kilcoo but is needed in defence with the county team.
McEvoy likes to get forward and would be happy if Murphy drifts out the field. However, it won’t be easy to negate the 36-year-old’s influence.
Conor O’Donnell v Pierce Laverty
Down will have to plot a way to subdue Conor O’Donnell this weekend.
The Carndonagh man has been terrific for his team this season.
He scored four goals in eight games during the league and his speed wrecked havoc at times for teams.
O’Donnell is clearly enjoying his football at the moment and after winning man of the match against Mayo back in February, he will be looking forward to another run out at the Letterkenny venue.
Pierce Laverty is Down’s go-to man-marker and O’Donnell appears to be the biggest threat at present.
Laverty is strong and combative and is one of the most underrated defenders in the province.
Down will have to get their match-ups spot on and they will be hoping that Laverty can keep O’Donnell on the periphery of Sunday’s quarter-final.