John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at Clones

After the Ballybofey Riviera that they experienced two weeks ago, it's a very different climatic experience today for the Donegal fans who have made the journey to Clones.

It's rather baltic let's just say up high in the press box as the cold air wafts across from the town side as it always seems to do at St Tiernach's Park - even on a sunny day.

Frozen fingers do not make for accurate typing - at least in my case - so apologies in advice for any typos that might emerge from me today.

The always accurate BBC weather forecast is predicting a 47% chance of rain when the game throws in which rises to 60% by 16:00 BST so people have come prepared for the elements with brollies very much in evidence.

Image source, Inpho

Hopefully today matches yesterday's entertainment.

If you missed Down's comeback win over Fermanagh, catch up by watching the highlights.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at Clones

With Donegal being tipped as likely All-Ireland winners by more than a few pundits, you would think they would be solid enough favourites to win today.

However, speaking to a few well-informed Farney folk, they feel their team have considerably more than a puncher's chance of upsetting Jim McGuinness' side.

The Monaghan theory is that they have been competitive in most of their big championship games in recent years, which includes a victory over Armagh in 2023, giving Dublin a tough test in their subsequent All-Ireland semi-final and only losing by three points to Galway last summer.

One can see where they are coming from.

Image source, Inpho

After Down's engrossing win over Fermanagh on Saturday, what does the Ulster Championship have in store this afternoon?

It's certainly an intriguing game on paper as Monaghan welcome holders Donegal to Clones.

While Donegal got their championship campaign up and running with victory over Derry a fortnight ago, Monaghan have not played since their comfortable Division Two final defeat of Roscommon on 29 March.

Donegal - who return to the scene of last year's Ulster triumph - come into this one as favourites. The story of this provincial series so far has been underdogs such as Antrim and Fermanagh falling short after brave performances.

Can Monaghan shock Donegal and set up a semi-final against Down? Stay with us to find out.