Can Fermanagh stay in the game long enough to upset Armagh?

The teams have already met this year in NFL Division Two and the tie brings together two teams who had contrasting fortunes in the league with Fermanagh being relegated, while Armagh earned promotion.

When they met in the league, Armagh were able to build a lead early in the second half which Fermanagh never looked like clawing back and were eventually beaten 0-15 to 0-11.

It felt during the league game that Armagh were able to move through the gears when they needed to and open up a gap. But Championship football is a different beast and Fermanagh's performance levels will have to increase significantly if they are to have any chances of upsetting the odds.

Armagh are a big, athletic, physical team that is full of pace.

In the likes of Ciaran Mackin, Stefan Campbell, Jarly Óg Burns and Greg McCabe they have the capability of turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

And with Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt and Rory Grugan they have forwards that can score for free if given the space.

Brandon Horan holds on tight to possession. (Image: Martin Brady)

Fermanagh will also have to learn some harsh lessons from the league campaign.

In several games, poor passing, skill execution or opposition pressure while Ross Bogue was out of goals cost them dearly.

They were in the contest against Donegal until it happened. Armagh had two opportunities but with some last-ditch recovery and poor shooting, they failed to find the net.

Louth tore them asunder as Fermanagh played into their hands time and time again and were mercilessly picked off.

It looked like the final game of the league against Cavan showed lessons were learned and players were more secure in their actions and it reaped the rewards as they hit 2-14.

Fermanagh are unlikely to change their gameplan with Bogue coming out the field so it is vital the same mistakes are not repeated. 

Conor McShea is chased by Andrew Murnin. (Image: Martin Brady)

If Fermanagh are to beat Armagh they will need to find a goal or two and a good spread of scorers.

Garvan Jones showed what he is about with an imperious performance against Cavan while Sean Cassidy has established himself as an inter-county corner forward.

There needs to be more scores coming from the half-forward line and midfield, however.

Declan McCusker and Shane McGullion are always capable of rattling a few scores from the half-back line.

Racking up a decent scoreline has been difficult at times for Fermanagh. They averaged around 13 points in the league.

Sean Cassidy takes on his man against Armagh. (Image: Martin Brady)

If it comes to a shootout with Armagh, Fermanagh could struggle.

But if their defence can get on top of Armagh's attack and make it a real dogfight Fermanagh will be in with a chance.

With Che and Lee Cullen marshalling the defence and Ronan McCaffrey likely to drop in and help out clogging up Brewster Park will suit Fermanagh. 

And speaking of Brewster Park, the heavier the sod the better against an Armagh side than cover the ground well.

Another aspect that could help Fermanagh is their bench.

Word of the return of Darragh McGurn, Johnny Cassidy and Aidan Breen to full fitness will boost options while Conor Love has reportedly impressed in training recently.

And if Josh Largo-Elis and Brandon Horan are there as well it gives Fermanagh a strength in depth that they have not had this year.

Armagh's recent Ulster Championship record is not great. 

There have been question marks over their credentials when it comes to the crunch. The Division Two league final is the most recent example. 

Some have said Armagh's route is the easiest to an Ulster Final as they face Fermanagh and then Down.

If Fermanagh can remain competitive the longer the game goes on and maybe nab a goal or two, who knows whose route to an Ulster Final people will be talking about come Sunday evening.

Fermanagh take on Armagh at 2pm on Sunday, April 14 at Brewster Park.