Croke Park, 2.15

The GOD of the back-door system has some kind of infatuation thing going on with Offaly. Either that or Brian Whelahan and the lads really ought to get a Lotto syndicate organised. Pragmatism courses through this team, but there must have been a few wry smiles around the country when the midlanders, beaten in the Leinster final for the third consecutive year, drew the northern representatives yet again. It is virtually impossible to see this game as having anything other than one-way traffic. The presence of Derry in Croke Park is a warming sight and there is no doubt that they will apply themselves to the task at hand with undimming passion. That Geoffrey McGonigle will get to see 70 minutes action, after a severe suspension destroyed his summer, is also a happy footnote to this occasion. But the fact is that Derry's task concerns maintaining respectability and avoiding a demoralising experience.

Offaly generally put on a little impromptu theatre at this time of year and the latest pageant involves a relative clearing of the decks by Pat Fleury. Recognising the staleness of his team's show against Kilkenny, he has sought to revitalise the team with new blood in the likes of Conor Gath and Aidan Hanrahan. Because there are potential places to claim, chances are Offaly will approach this game with extra vim, which does not spell good news for Derry.