Having seen Armagh and Derry up close (Armagh too many times unfortunately), I think Derry would win that potential semi-final matchup. I think Armagh play some lovely stuff but in my opinion Derry are cuter and are more than capable of sticking with Armagh physically. I also think McKaigue would swallow Rian O'Neill up and that is really Armagh's attack - as good as Armagh's forwards are in general, everything runs through O'Neill in terms of playmaking as well so if you nullify him they really struggle.
I also don't think Armagh have anyone that could live with the likes of Glass and Rodgers when they get going.
But really I may be over-egging Derry a bit. They just remind me of Donegal in 2011/12. I think they can go as far as they want to this year. They may come up short for Sam if they face Dublin as the Dubs are just so good at playing against the system Derry play now, but I think they can beat any other team left in the competition. It's all about their mindset now and in that regard I think Clare is the perfect draw for them because while Clare are clearly a very good side, I think Derry should beat them even if they're not fully tuned in.
Don't mean to discount Galway either, that quarter final is a toss-up really. I expect that to be the pick of the quarters, it should be a cracking game - 2 very similar teams in their talent and while Galway have gone defensive against Mayo for example, they're more than capable of playing the attacking expansive game. I don't know Galway's defenders too well, who would be earmarked for Rian O'Neill? For Armagh I would put Jarlath Óg on Shane Walsh to try and stick with him athletically and maybe force him back the other way. Forker will go on Comer I'm guessing.
I think a lot will depend on the mindset of Derry. Very easy to loose focus after ending the drought for provincial honours. On paper I’d expect Derry to beat Clare but it will be interesting to see how they handle the longish lay off, the favourites tag and the refocusing after Ulster.
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