In the second Division One Ulster derby in as many weeks, Armagh host Tyrone at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in the hopes of getting their league campaign up and running after a faltering start against Galway in Salthill last time out.
The Orchardmen were going into their clash with the Tribesmen as slight favourites, given the title of All-Ireland champions now hanging over their heads, but it proved to be too tough a task to repeat their Croke Park feat.
Missing a number of members of that All-Ireland-winning squad, Geezer has his work cut out for him in these early fixtures with back-to-back Ulster derbies in the league, Donegal looming large in the next matchday.
Tyrone are in a very different boat, with new boss Malachy O’Rourke seeming to take this new job in his stride, despite missing key players from Errigal Ciarán to a rest after their All-Ireland final defeat to Cuala a fortnight ago.
Among those players missing are the two Canavan brothers who have been so crucial to all that Tyrone have been building in recent years, however, both Darragh and Ruairi are under the GAA’s concussion protocol now and will be unavailable until cleared for return.
The absence of the Canavans, Joe Oguz and Peter Harte among other Errigal Ciarán absentees did not cause a crisis in Omagh, with the Red Hands defeating neighbours Derry at Healy Park by a scoreline of 2-13 to 1-9.
Michael McKernan scored 1-2 during the game to help his side get two points on the board in the first game of their Allianz National Football League campaign.
With O’Rourke not rushing the Errigal Ciarán boys back into the fold, Armagh have a chance to hit Tyrone whilst they are not at 100 per cent capacity.
When and where is the Armagh v Tyrone national league game?
Armagh will host Tyrone at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh City on Saturday, February 1.
Throw-in is scheduled at 6pm.
Where can I watch Armagh v Tyrone?
RTÉ2 will show the Armagh v Tyrone fixture, with Damian Lawlor presenting the coverage which starts at 5.30pm.
