KEVIN CASSIDY: It’s too close to call

WE have had some fantastic games already this year, but there is no doubt that the game of the season to date takes place this weekend.

Donegal and Armagh will clash this Saturday evening in Clones as they yet again contest this year’s Ulster final.

When looking at who could possibly win this weekend’s game there is so much to look at. To be 100 per cent honest, this game is as about 50-50 as you are likely to get.

These two teams know each other inside out at this stage and both panels are similar, in the fact that they have strength in depth in every department.

Jim McGuinness has undoubtedly strengthened Donegal’s squad with the addition of the likes of Michael Murphy, Kieran McGeeney has done likewise with Armagh. He has blooded a few new players over course of the season. This one will go to the wire.

One Distraction we didn’t need last week was the draw for the All-Ireland series. Why? No matter which way you butter it up, those conversations without doubt came into how these teams will plan for this weekend’s encounter.

For the life of me, I just can’t understand why this had to happen as it was an unwanted distraction for last week’s games. It’s the same this weekend again.

These teams are trying to prepare for the biggest game to date this season, but in the background, there is all this talk of possible groups, matchups and the like. It’s just not right.

Anyway, that’s not for me or you to decide, so all we can do is look forward to a cracker this weekend.

Make no mistake about it, both teams badly want to win this Ulster title. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I didn’t think that it would be bad thing for Donegal to exit the race for Ulster. Perhaps to come under the radar for a while in their quest for Sam.

That stage has passed now, so it’s all out to win and that is the best approach now. Armagh on the other hand want this Ulster title badly given how they fell in recent finals

For us, the game has everything we need it to have. I think we can all agree that we are left with the two best teams in Ulster in the final so that’s how you always want things to go.

Decision time. I honestly can’t split these teams. I have tried to come up with how one team might shade it but it’s just so difficult.

There are a few things Donegal do need to watch. For one, we can’t lose a man. Michael Murphy in particular has been very lucky to date not to get the line on a few occasions, so a small decision like that could tip the balance one way or another.

A lot is riding for both teams this weekend. The loser will no doubt be sick but to add to their misery they will then face into a group of death to save their season.

If we were in the old rules, I’d go with a draw but given the fact that scores are now easier to come by I am going with a Donegal two-point win.

Elsewhere, we will see a new winner in Leinster which shakes the whole competition up. Louth and Meath face off in what should be another very close encounter.

I covered their last league game a few weeks back where Louth shocked everyone by taking the win. Robbie Brennan and Ger Brennan have both done fantastic jobs so I don’t think anyone would begrudge either of them the win. The best of luck to both teams this weekend.

Galway got the job done last weekend against a spirited Mayo team. Padraic Joyce’s side did just enough to get over the line and they will no doubt be tuned in this weekend to see who enters into their group for the All-Ireland series.

Check this week’s preview show as former county stars Charlie Vernon and Rory Kavanagh look ahead to Saturday’s Ulster final showdown in Clones.