Galway face Armagh this weekend an intriguing All-Ireland SFC quarter final at Croke Park on Sunday (1.45pm ).
Both sides have shown right throughout the Allianz Football League and Championship that they are intent on playing attacking football which has led to many neutrals showing interest in this fascinating encounter.
With Mayo playing against Kerry in the second game there will be huge interest coming from the west of the country along with what is sure to be two very entertaining games of football. Kieran McGeeney is in his eighth year as manager of his native county and they have made impressive progress since losing to Donegal in the Ulster Championship.
The return of Stefan Campbell from injury in the last two matches has shown just how much of an influence he has in the team. His ability and work rate was clear for everyone to see when he returned against Tyrone Who is tasked with taking care of him and Rian O’Neill are two huge decisions that Padraic Joyce and his management team will make.
At the other end of the field, who McGeeney tasks with marking Shane Walsh and Damien Comer is just as important. Walsh, after his man of the match performance against Roscommon, will be watched closer than ever and Damien has been back to his best this year with well timed powerful runs from deeper out the field causing trouble for every opposition this season.
Galway conceded a high score against Roscommon despite being far the better team and Armagh have begun to accumulate up some impressive scorelines this summer, so how Galway adapt to the direct ball coming in from the Armagh middle third will play an important part in who comes out on top here.
With two in form sets of forwards and a high scoring game expected this game could very easily come down to the battle of the backs, with whatever team that minimises the effect the influential forwards have on the game most likely to come out on top. Ultimately by 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon Galway or Armagh will be in an All-Ireland semi-final against the winners of Derry and Clare, who clash at GAA headquarters on Saturday.
