After Galway's romantic interlude in Aughrim, last year's All-Ireland finalists find themselves exploring the other extreme in the qualifiers' range of options, going from David and Goliath to the clash of the titans in seven days. These sides had been mentioned as the two most likely to benefit from the system in that each had a lot of All-Ireland experience but could have done with a more measured build-up than that afforded by two very competitive provincial championships.

Yet this is more convincing in Armagh's case. Galway weren't meant to lose in Connacht, notwithstanding Roscommon's subsequent achievement in winning the provincial title. The subcutaneous irritations in the camp no doubt contributed to the shock defeat but there hasn't been convincing evidence that all is yet resolved.

Last week's display against Wicklow was hard to gauge. When they went about their business Galway were far too good and when their attention wandered, they lost ground. Alan Kerins looked very sharp in attack, Richie Fahey was very collected at corner back and Seβn ╙ D≤mhnaill gave glimpses of his best 1998 form. Otherwise, there's question marks.

Jarlath Fallon doesn't look fully restored after his long lay-off with injury; there is still confusion in defence over the best way to cope with the centre back vacancy and Michael Donnellan continues to look an eccentric pick at centrefield. Tomβs Mannion is a super footballer but his lack of mobility has been coming against him and now there is the worry about Seβn de Paor's fitness.

Armagh haven't been without blemish in their qualifiers although neither game was particularly trying. What they do have is a well-established game plan that continues to be effective. Crowding the middle and trying to let off forwards on the inside has largely worked for the team - except when Meath out-crowded them two years ago.

Galway at their best would be favourites because Armagh remain a small bit suspect defensively. But the feeling is Galway aren't at their best and may become frustrated by their opponents' tactics. All of which gives Armagh something of an edge.

Galway: A Keane; K Fitzgerald, G Fahey, R Fahey; D Meehan, T Mannion, AN Other; S O Domhnaill, M Donnellan; J Fallon, K Comer, J Bergin; A Kerins, P Joyce, T Joyce.

Armagh: P Hearty; E McNulty, G Reid, J McNulty; A O'Rourke, K McGeeney, A McCann; P McGrane, J McEntee; T McEntee, D Marsden, J Toal; S McDonnell, B O'Hagan, O McConville.