RYAN FERRY looks at the big individual battles ahead of Sunday’s match
Con O’Callaghan v Brendan McCole
The Donegal defence played reasonably well against Cork.
Steven Sherlock was excellent for the Rebels but only managed one score from play, a two-pointer in the first half.
Brendan McCole battled well against the sharpshooter who spent much of the game out by the arc.
It would be a huge shock if McCole doesn’t pick up Con O’Callaghan this weekend.
They had a good duel in the first round of the NFL but O’Callaghan has had his injury problems since then.
The Cuala star is back fit now and posted 1-9 against Cavan last week.
Dublin will need another big performance from their captain this Sunday and McCole will be keen to negate his impact.
David Byrne v Oisin Gallen
Byrne has seen many highs during his Dublin career.
He broke through at the right time and helped Dublin to six All-Irelands on the trot.
Their stock has fallen since then and Byrne is probably finding himself under more pressure defensively now than when they were playing in huge finals.
Byrne looks the natural fit to pick up the in-form Oisin Gallen.
The Sean MacCumhaills man has played well against Down, Kerry and Cork and looks dangerous every time he touches the ball.
Donegal will feel they can have joy if they can get the size five to Gallen inside the scoring zone.
Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne v Jason McGee
Donegal will feel they didn’t get enough from their big men against Cork and weren’t as dominant as they might have been.
They will be keen to put that right against the Dubs and will want to force Evan Comerford long with his restarts.
Dublin have struggled at midfield all season and were all at sea when Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne was forced off injured against Westmeath in the Leinster Final.
However, he made a welcome return against Cavan and will be central to Dublin’s plans this week.
McGee shipped a very heavy knock early in the Cork match and wasn’t quite at his best.
However, the big midfielder has played well at Croke Park in his two previous outing there this season and will be hoping to make that a third.
Nathan Doran v Michael Murphy
It’s been a tough season for the Dublin defence so far but Nathan Doran has done well.
Doran impressed against Dublin on the first night of the league and has established himself in the team.
He’s a strong and powerful defender and should size up well against Michael Murphy.
The Glenswilly man is still a key leader in the Donegal team and Sunday will be a big day as he makes his 200th appearance for the seniors footballer.
Murphy set up a goal against Cork and scored a nice point in the second half.
There were times when Donegal played off him nicely at full-forward but they didn’t utilise Murphy enough in the final twenty minutes.
Murphy could make a telling impact on Sunday if Donegal can work the play to him for frequently.
Niall Scully v Finnbarr Roarty
Niall Scully has been lining out as a playmaker for Dublin this year and he’s had a good season.
In their win over Louth in the Leinster semi-final, Scully was left free and ran the show for the Dubs.
He is a fine kick-passer and will look to feed Dublin’s inside men if not enough pressure is put on.
Jim McGuinness tends to like to shut down the player who conducts the opposition’s attack.
Scully is that man and Finnbarr Roarty appears the right defender for the job.
Roarty kept Chris Óg Jones scoreless last week but his tackling wasn’t quite as disciplined as usual. The Naomh Conaill man will be keen to put that right this weekend.