Monaghan v Down LIVE score updates from All-Ireland football clash
It's D-day in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship group stage and the equation is simple at the Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh for Ulster rivals Monaghan and Down.
The winner goes straight through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals and the loser has a home preliminary quarter-final next weekend.
Down are the highest scorers in the group stages to date and Monaghan are fourth highest.
Admittedly they got the best group, but anything other than a shoot out here would be a surprise so we could be in for a real treat.
Conor McCarthy's form, Rory Beggan's importance and Jack McCarron's scoring – starting or as an impact sub – might give Monaghan the edge but Down under Conor Laverty will fancy their chances.
The bookmakers have Monaghan as strong favourites at 2/5 with the Mournemen 13/5 shots. A draw is 15/2 and may not be a bad shout.
Stay with us for blow-by-blow coverage from Armagh.
The stakes are high here. The victor advances directly to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, while the defeated team will host a preliminary quarter-final next weekend.
Down have been the top scorers in the group stages so far, with Monaghan not far behind in fourth place. Granted, they had the most favourable group, but anything less than a high-scoring match would be unexpected.
The form of Conor McCarthy, the significance of Rory Beggan, and Jack McCarron's scoring ability - whether starting or coming on as a substitute - could give a speedy Monaghan side the advantage. However, being the favourites and under pressure to win, this match will truly test their mental strength.
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