1. Can Down’s attack disturb Donegal?

Donegal are just so stingy. A highly-rated Tyrone side only posted 0-10 against them. Last year the figures were similarly bleak for Donegal’s opponents.

The total recorded against Jim McGuinness team were Cavan 1-10, Derry 0-9, Tyrone 0-10, Down 0-13, Kerry 1-10, Cork 1-11 and Mayo 0-13. It amounted to an average of around 0-12 a game in 2012.

That is miserly. You have to work so hard to unleash shots in the scoring zone. Bodies are put bravely on the line and frequently turnovers are made. Then Donegal’s runners can knit the play on those dashing break always from deep. Donegal can make them count in clinical fashion. Almost unnoticed teams are left to chase games and Donegal have secured a glorious winning habit.

James McCartan’s Down will be completely aware of how important a positive start is. Down’s attack certainly carries a threat, but Donegal have the pace and power to cope even with a couple of niggling injuries adding to the nuisance factor.

2. Donegal’s one game at a time philosphy

“The only thing that’s ahead of us is Down. That gives us a chance to go to the Ulster final and that’s where our focus is at.” – Jimmy McGuinness

The switch never seems to be turned to off these days. Such drive and diligence has served champion teams through the years regardless of the sporting code. Tyrone was the focus for eight months,

Down have only been on the agenda a matter of weeks, but McGuinness, ever the pragmatist, has still plotted and planned. Donegal have their own survival mechanisms and they will deal with the losses of a couple of influential performers.

Willing workers are ready to come in because beating Down is the current mission. Loose talk isn’t on the agenda, just Down.

3. Talk of the top six in football

Buried in an interview before last Sunday’s Connacht SFC encounter, there were measured comments from James Horan. Having safely and sensibly turned Mayo into a polished outfit Horan spoke broadly about the ‘new buzz thing’ in the Gaelic Football world. That is what Horan called the so called ‘top six’. Horan had a point because unexpected summer adventures can happen.

Are Down in that apparent ‘top six’? Having reached an All Ireland final in 2010 Down’s panel is radically altered now for a plethora of reasons, but they have a thrilling tradition of bursting through the pack like they did then and in 1991 and 1994 when Sam Maguire was garnered. Standard bearers Donegal, though, represent an acid test.

London manager Paul Coggins celebrates with his players after their win over Sligo.
Pic: INPHO/Jim Keogh

4. London calling?

With a Championship win London are still being patronised. Nobody seems to truly accept they have at least a half dozen players who would be operating on an inter county stage for their respective native counties.

So no hopers they are not. In the league they encountered turbulence, but over the past few years there have been small hints of London’s rising ability. Sligo won’t dispute that.

Indeed, if Sligo were still in the provincial race they’d be viewed as warm favourites to filch a victory over Leitrim. Inevitably London are underdogs again, but those completely dismissing and belittling them should stop.

5. Mulligan central to Leitrim’s hopes

Those fortunate enough to have interviewed or spoken to joint Leitrim boss Barney Breen will acknowledge his decency and passion. Leitrim, like London, are provided with the usual per-Championship platitudes: they will be honest, Carrick is a tough place to go, all that plainly dismissive talk.

It is unjust and unfair because Leitrim have footballers capable of producing when it matters. Emlyn Mulligan is one of the sweetest kickers in the game, a flair footballer who should be cherished for his skill level. Mulligan’s frees could be a critical factor.

Talking points: 5 things to look out for in the All-Ireland hurling qualifiers

Dublin, Wexford, Antrim and Westmeath reveal senior hurling sides