Donegal v Cork (a short preview)

For the second year in a row, the four provincial champions have qualified for the All-Ireland semi-finals, with Donegal and Cork kicking off the action this afternoon. In many ways, I think this match-up looks to be the 'real' final, as either of these teams looks superior to Dublin and Mayo.

The key for Cork to winning this game will be how they attack Donegal's relentless defence.  Given the physical presence that Cork will bring to the game, I think their best weapon will be to to run at the Donegal defence with pace, and move the ball quickly. If Cork do this, they can put the Tír Conaill men on the back foot and they'll force Donegal to concede frees. The key really is to keep the ball moving, so the Cork forwards and wing-backs will need to work hard and show for possession constantly. That said, this would be an extremely difficult game plan to execute for the full 70 minutes, and I can't see Cork being able to sustain such intensity for the game's duration.

For Donegal, the big question is whether they can find enough scores to get over the line. I can't see Cork putting any more than 10 or 12 points past them, but they'll still need Colm McFadden and Michael Murphy to have big games. McFadden was superb against Kerry, but rather then being a reassuring sign, I find that somewhat worrying, as McFadden has struggled with consistency in the past, and two straight huge performances is a big ask. If Donegal are to create enough scoring chances to win, they'll have to at least break even at midfield. This is no small task, as Cork have so many physically intimidating players around the centre of the park. Aidan Walsh is arguably the best midfielder in the country, and with either Alan O'Connor and Nicholas Murphy alongside him, Cork should win the battle there. Donegal's best hope of competing in midfield is by sticking to short kick-outs and carrying the ball out of defence so as to bypass the Cork midfield.

Obviously, in a game such as this, a goal for either side would be an enormous game changer. If Donegal can get one, I think they'll be able to shut up shop and keep the Leesiders at bay, but without that goal, I see Donegal falling by a point or two in what will almost certainly be a scrappy, hard-fought match.