David Clifford v Padraig Hampsey
As we know marking Kerry’s superstar one-on-one isn’t really an option at this stage.
Many have tried, many have failed. But stopping their opponents style of play can be an option.
That’s done by first cutting off the supply lines into their forward line, and secondly finding a way to double up on Clifford.
That unfortunately means it’ll be a long hard day at the office if you’re a Tyrone full-back.
It might mean that Kieran McGeary will be forced to drop back defensively but as a second marker rather than a sweeper.
But he’ll need to be far more disciplined this week than he was against Donegal where he caught the Tír Conaill attackers high around the neck giving away two fouls inside his own 45.
Although one would argue that if Hampsey hits form there will be no stopping him in holding off Clifford.
He kept the Fossa man to a single point from play when Tyrone overcame the Kingdom back in March in the league, so he knows how to deal with him.
But what cannot ignore is that in total, the reigning Footballer of the Year has lost twice as many matches as he has won against this side.
He has also accumulated 1-32, including 17 points from play. In other words, he has averaged almost 0-3 from play, which rises to 0-4 from play in SFC combat.
Tyrone defenders beware.
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