Another Michael Murphy free brings the curtain down on a first half Armagh will want to forget. Ten points the difference - not the full-blooded, close contest which had been predicted.

"Donegal looking very strong and fresh compared to this time last year. Contenders for the All Ireland surely?" - former (apparently) Down forward Benny Coulter

"Armagh's failure to pick up their runners is killing them. Toye, McGlynn and Lacey are cutting them to ribbons. It is very impressive from Donegal" - former Tyrone star Philip Jordan

Half-back Karl Lacey gets into the scoring act for Donegal, splitting the posts from a testing angle on the right side.

A rare breed has been spotted at the Athletic Grounds! A point for Armagh.

Nice finish by forward Tony Kernan with the outside of his boot. But 28 minutes have gone and Kieran McGeeney's men have managed just two points. They are the little matter of eight behind.

Paddy Bradley
Derry All Star

"The big difference between the sides is that when Donegal attack, they do so in numbers. But when Armagh attack it is one man in isolation - there is no support."

A high challenge is punished and full-forward Michael Murphy lands another free for Donegal. Any Armagh misdemeanour seems to getting punished by Rory Gallagher's men.

Is this game over - 10 minutes before half-time? Patrick McBrearty gets away from marker James Morgan to lift over another impressive score.

"Armagh may have trained hard and prepared well (apparently) but you win nothing if you cant do the basics!" - Mattie on Twitter

Skipper Murphy sends over a monster free for Donegal. The home support were vocal earlier on, but seem stunned now. They cannot believe their boys are seven points down after 20 minutes.

At last! Armagh score their first point in the 14th minute. Ethan Rafferty's attempt at a point falls short - but fellow midfielder Aaron Findon fists over the bar.

But the six-point gap is restored as talented half-forward Odhrán Mac Niallais slots over a delightful score from the left. Classy point from the highly-rated 22-year-old from Letterkenny.

Paddy Bradley
Derry All Star

"Armagh are enjoying plenty of possession but they just can't break down this Donegal defence."

Another score for dominant Donegal as Martin McElhinney works some space to send over a lovely left-footed effort.

Neil Gallagher scores a fine point from play and skipper Michael Murphy hoists an accurate free from out on the left to put the Ulster champions five points to the good. Armagh need a score - and they need it soon.

Paddy Bradley
Derry All Star

"That was a brilliant catch from Paddy McBrearty and an excellent finish. It's been a very nervous start from Armagh.

"They need to settle down because everything is rushed at the minute."

Great start for Donegal as Paddy McBrearty finds the net. The corner-forward made a superb catch and, when his first shot was saved by Armagh keeper Matthew McNeice, 21-year-old McBrearty squeezed a left-foot shot in from a tight angle.

Oisin McConville
BBC Sport NI GAA analyst

"I fancy Donegal to edge it - they have a bit more experience than Armagh."

Martin McHugh
BBC Sport NI GAA analyst

"Frank McGlynn is a big, big player for Donegal. He is the link man and Armagh will have to put a player on him."

It is a sell-out for this big game at the Athletic Grounds

Oisin McConville
BBC Sport NI GAA analyst

"It's all about getting the ball into Jamie Clarke. If Armagh can do that then they have a chance."

Armagh: M McNeice; F Moriarty, C Vernon, A Mallon; J Morgan, C McKeever, S Campbell; A Findon, E Rafferty; C Rafferty, M McKenna, A Forker; A Murnin, T Kernan, J Clarke.

Donegal: P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee; M McHugh, K Lacey, F McGlynn; N Gallagher, M McElhinney; C Toye, O MacNiallais, R McHugh; P McBrearty, M Murphy, M O'Reilly.

Kevin Dyas is missing for Armagh - a blow for them - while Mark McHugh returns in place of Anthony Thompson for Donegal.

Image source, Inpho

Donegal's top forward Michael Murphy is in action this afternoon, so the Armagh defence will have their hands full. The 25-year-old Glenswilly clubman has scored six goals and 120 points in his 38 Championship appearances.