Monaghan will be aiming to make it a third final appearance in a row, having won the 2013 showpiece final and losing the 2014 final, both games against Donegal. Fermanagh on the other hand are not accustomed to Clones on Ulster final day with the 2008 final against Armagh being their last appearance, while before that you would have to go back to 1982.

It’s well documented that Fermanagh have never got their hands on the Anglo-Celt trophy.

Monaghan are managed by former Derrylin and Fermanagh footballer Malachy O’Rourke, and arrive at Sunday’s semi-final after a victory over Cavan in the first round, 0-16 to 0-15.

Monaghan’s performance that day was criticised, but the Farney men got over the line with Conor McManus, Paul Finlay and Kieran Hughes all performing strongly in a capable attack late on. The ability to bring on Colin Walshe and Dick Clerkin to kick late points shows the depth of O’Rourke’s panel.

Fermanagh come into Sunday’s clash with a hugely encouraging 2015 behind them.

A strong McKenna Cup showing was a sign of things to come. Pete McGrath’s side gained promotion to Division 2 for 2016 before a double scores win over Antrim in the Ulster Championship first round, 1-13 to 0-8.

Fermanagh a bit like Monaghan did not perform to the best of their abilities that day in Enniskillen but a double scores win over any side in the Ulster championship is a credit to how far the Erne men have come since Pete McGrath took charge.

Monaghan will have defenders Dessie Mone and Ryan Wylie ready to face down the Fermanagh rear-guard while doubts over Drew Wylie’s fitness persist.

At midfield Neil McAdam and Shane Carey performed admirably against Cavan, but Owen Lennon and scoring substitute from the last day Dick Clerkin will also be pushing for starting berths.

The key man in the Monaghan attack is undoubtedly Conor McManus. He hit 0-7 last day out. Around him players such as Paul Finlay and Kieran Hughes have class. Monaghan can also call on players like Vinny Corey, Colin Walshe and Darren Hughes so it is no surprise they have been tipped by some to go all the way in this year’s All-Ireland Championship.

The Fermanagh side are unlikely to make drastic changes from the win over Antrim. Goalkeeper Christopher Snow came in for that game and after a clean sheet he looks set to start between the posts again. The defence is anchored by a strong full back line in Michael Jones, Niall Cassidy and Martin O’Brien that will have to be at their best to contain the Monaghan attack. Encouragingly for Fermanagh supporters, defence has been their strongest sector this season, as evidenced by the fact that they had the second best defence in this year’s NFL just behind division four outfit Offaly.

Eoin Donnelly is widely expected to come into the starting 15 for Fermanagh and the Coa man will bring a huge wealth of experience and strength to the midfield sector.

Fermanagh’s Sean Quigley will once again take up the vocation as Fermanagh’s main marksman, the Roslea attacker has been hugely impressive thus far and the onus will be on getting the ball into Quigley quick and often.

Around Quigley, the likes of Ryan Jones, Tomás Corrigan and Ruairí Corrigan will have to chip in with further scores if Fermanagh are to overcome the Farney challenge.

Sunday will tell a lot about both sides, Monaghan have the pressure on them as overwhelming favourites. For Fermanagh a strong performance and the curtailing of Conor McManus may just be enough to send them to an Ulster Final.