Promotion chasers Armagh and Donegal set to square off in eagerly anticipated match-up this Sunday

It may only be February, but Armagh’s game against Donegal on Sunday afternoon already has the feel of ‘must-see’, with a capacity crowd expected to descend upon the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

Kieran McGeeney will take on Jim McGuinness for the first time as manager, and both sides will be putting their 100 percent winning records on the line.

The Ulster teams have been the early pace-setters in Division Two, with Armagh defeating Louth, Meath and Kildare, whilst Donegal have toppled Cork, Cavan and Fermanagh.

Armagh have been blistering in attack, particularly in their two most recent outings, with Conor Turbitt, Oisin Conaty, Rory Grugan and Stefan Campbell in outstanding form.

They have options aplenty with Cian McConville and Andrew Murnin also starting last time out against Kildare, whilst sharpshooters Tiernan Kelly, Jason Duffy, Aidan Nugent and Rian O’Neill began the game on the bench.

However, perhaps not getting as much attention has been Armagh’s defence, who have yet to concede a goal in any of their league outings, and after three fixtures are joint-top across the four divisions alongside Leitrim in terms of points conceded – with just 29 given up.

Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay and Peter McGrane have been an impenetrable trio in the full back line, whilst Aidan Forker and Greg McCabe have been consistent as ever in the half back line.

Furthermore, brothers Ciaran and Connaire Mackin dominated the midfield last time out against Kildare.

Following that game, manager Kieran McGeeney praised his side’s performances to this point in the season, but warned that Donegal will provide a stern test.

“The boys have been working well, but we know what’s coming down the line,” said McGeeney.

“We have Donegal next week and they have been prolific in both their goals and very high scoring. We are going to have to be at our best when we are playing them.

“It is always fantastic when you win the big games. Both teams seem to be going well and there will be no quarter asked or given I am assuming.”

Donegal have picked up some impressive wins themselves with 11 and 14 point wins over Cork and Fermanagh respectively.

Paddy McBrearty and Oisin Gallen are two of the most dangerous forwards around, whilst Daire O Baoil was exceptional in their most recent win, as he tallied 2-3.

McGuinness' side have received deserved praise for their high pressing style and certainly won't fear taking on Armagh at full throttle this afternoon.

Both sides have their sights set on promotion, and the winner of today's contest will be in pole position to book their ticket to Croke Park for the Division Two final at the end of March.