Donegal v Mayo: Three key match-ups to keep an eye on

ROBBIE HENNELLY V GAVIN MULREANY

Again, there are some similarities between these net-minders.

Each replaced last season’s number ones early in the National League, although for different reasons.

Breaffy native and Raheny clubman Robbie Hennelly, has returned to the fold, following the departure of Colm Reape.

In Donegal, it's expected absence of Shaun Patton for the tie on the two-time All-Star’s home patch in
Letterkenny, that Jim McGuinness will turn to Gavin Mulreany, who has made a good start to the league.

There are multiple strings to each man’s bow.

The first place to start is long-range free-taking. Both have been tasked with hitting the mark from outside the arc, and their accuracy rates aren’t too shabby.

Hennelly thrice raised the orange flag in Salthill, while Saint Naul’s man Mulreany clipped over a pair of two-pointers against Dublin, as well as a ‘45 against Kerry.

Both also have an innate ability to mind their goalmouth.

Hennelly shone during the Galway win, while Mulreany also had his work cut out for him in thwarting
Sean Bugler the first day out.

Lastly, we’ll touch on what many consider to be the key weapon in a ‘keeper’s armoury.

Both of the goalkeepers have had a mixed record from kick-outs.

However, in the modern game, restarts are a lot more chaotic, and some of those couldn’t be put down to either ‘keeper.

The man between the posts is a pivotal part of a side’s success, and this could very well be the case on Sunday on the banks of the River Swilly.