Donegal v Derry (Sat)

ALL-IRELAND QUALIFIERS, THIRD ROUND
Venue: Ballybofey Date: Saturday, 18 July Throw-in: 1900 Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster MW and on the BBC Sport NI website

Brian Roper battles with Patsy Bradley in the National League in April

Brian Roper's return in place of injured Christy Toye is Donegal's only change for Saturday's All-Ireland Football qualifier against Derry.

Toye has been ruled out of action for the rest of this season after rupturing an Achilles tendon in last weekend's unimpressive win over Clare.

Derry will be overwhelming favourites for the Ballybofey tie after their 3-16 to 0-20 win over Monaghan last weekend.

Damien Cassidy is expected to pick his Derry team on Friday evening.

Cassidy has minor injury concerns over half-forward Brian Mullan and Barry McGuigan, who came on for Mullan at Clones last weekend.

Toye's absence means that Leo McLoone has been named at midfield alongside Kevin Cassidy.

Roper is named at centre half-forward although he may not start in the role.

At the other end of the field, John Joe Doherty's big calls will be over who mark the Bradley brothers Paddy and Eoin.

Karl Lacey is reckoned to be the best man-marker in the Donegal defence although he has yet to shadow Paddy Bradley in a competitive fixture.

Barry Dunnion could be asked to shackle Eoin Bradley although Neil McGee could also be delegated with the role.

Further back, Paul Durcan has held on to his starting role despite having the head staggers against Clare when he conceded a penalty and also gifted the Banner men two points.

Durcan was replaced by Michael Boyle at half-time last weekend.

At their best, this Donegal team is capable of mustering a challenge to Derry but they have been nowhere near that standard against Carlow and Clare over the past two weekends.

Another similar misfiring Donegal effort will ensure a comprehensive victory for the Oak Leafers.

The Donegal attack, with the exception of Michael Murphy, has been woeful over the last two Saturdays and much more will be expected from the likes of Colm McFadden and Rory Kavanagh this weekend.

The sights of the Oak Leaf jerseys should ensure a more motivated home display but Derry are still likely to win with something to spare.

Donegal: P Durcan, F McGlynn, N McGee, K Lacey, B Dunnion, B Monaghan, E McGee, L McLoone, K Cassidy, R Kavanagh (capt), B Roper, D Walsh, C Dunne, M Murphy, C McFadden.

Derry: (tba)