The winner of Sunday’s opener faces Fermanagh 13 days later with a semi-final in opposition to both Donegal or All the way down to look ahead to.
McMahon is “leaning in the direction of Armagh and Donegal” to satisfy on 3 Might however what of the opposite aspect of the draw?
Derry host Antrim on 18 April with Cavan at residence to Monaghan the next day – each video games stay on the BBC – with the winners assembly in a 2 Might semi-final.
Whereas the Oak Leafers missed out on promotion from Division Two, they discovered type after a troublesome 18 months and “are positively again on the street” in keeping with the previous Dublin defender.
Ought to they overcome the Saffrons, then who do they face from the next day’s derby?
Monaghan misplaced their Division One standing after a troublesome marketing campaign, whereas Cavan managed to outlive in Division Two.
Neither are on a sizzling streak, however McManus notes “there’s a gap for any crew on that aspect of the draw to get to an Ulster remaining, so it is a huge recreation”.
“Division One is a really unforgiving place to be when you might have loads of accidents and you might be blooding loads of younger lads at one time,” McManus mentioned of the Farney males.
“We noticed that the primary day in opposition to Armagh and it simply adopted that sample the entire method by. That they had a great efficiency in opposition to Donegal and hopefully they are going to have 4 or 5 lads again like Ryan McAnespie, Conor McCarthy, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne, Louis Kelly.
“Cavan aren’t firing on all cylinders both however on their worst day, Cavan or Monaghan can at all times get themselves up for that recreation.
“Neither crew are coming in on the crest of a wave, so if ever there was a 50-50 recreation, that is it.”
