All Ireland SFC Quarter-final: Gavin Cummiskey talks to John Maughan, who refuses to accept that Tyrone will automatically repeat their recent sublime form

Mayo manager John Maughan has been around the block enough times to adequately prepare his Mayo side for the mammoth challenge of Tyrone this Saturday. Only problem is, no team can really plan for the All-Ireland champions in their current mood.

Alongside the two Ulster giants, Mayo are the form team this year. They arrive at the quarter-final stage after blowing Galway and Roscommon away in an emphatic march to the Connacht title.

The addition of two crucial pieces of the jigsaw ensures the focus is now upon them.

The re-introduction of the enigmatic Kieran McDonald and David Brady ensured a deadly supply line to the Mortimer brothers (Trevor and Conor). As Galway stutter, a new western power rises.

And yet, only Armagh look capable of dealing with the Tyrone machine.

However, Maughan refuses to comply with the idea that Tyrone will definitely hit full throttle come Saturday.

"Every game is different. The past is now history. There are no guarantees that either team will replicate the form of recent games. The guys who have shined of late mightn't shine again. By Saturday night, we might be talking about other players.

"Tyrone could easily underfire and we may just do enough to get through," he continued. "I've been involved in the game long enough to know situations differ from game to game. The bounce of the ball or a refereeing decision could change everything."

It is conceivable that fatigue may creep up on Mickey Harte's men, but the more likely aspect is that his thoroughbreds will suck the life out of Connacht's last challenger. Maughan though, is ever the optimist.

"Actually, I was very happy with the draw. I went up to see them last weekend as my instinct told me we'd get them. They looked very impressive. Some of the scores they got were fantastic; they are world beaters at the minute."

Although provincial champions, Mayo's main advantage is their dark horse quality. When you play any of the big three (Kerry, Armagh or Tyrone) it is clear what will be served up. In many respects, Mayo are still an unknown commodity.

"They beat us comprehensively in the national league down here, but we will only have about five of that team out again. Ulster sides don't lack resources, though, especially Tyrone. They will be scrutinising all our games and have their video analysis done."

So there is no chance of Mayo sneaking up the rails on the All-Ireland champions? "No. I don't buy into that," said Maughan "The familiarity is there. Galway knew our style, as did Roscommon. We are not that much different, despite adding a few players. We won a Connacht title, but we are hungry for more. We are a little bit greedy."

It could be a case of Mayo's footballing ability winning out against the crowding tactic of Tyrone's defensive systems.

Galway crashed and burned against both sides this summer, while Laois didn't have enough petrol in the tank to compete last weekend. At least, Mayo will not have that problem.

"It's hard to predict what will happen. My only concern is that my players will turn up on time and do the business."