Dinny Cahill's Antrim defeated Down in the semi-final. Antrim v Derry Saturday 14 June, Casement Park, 1830 BST Live Radio Ulster

It is hardly surprising that defending champions Antrim go into Saturday's Ulster Hurling final against Derry as odds-on favourites.

But Antrim coach Dinny Cahill warns against complacency in his quest to take his side to Croke Park.

''Derry can be dangerous,'' said Cahill. ''I saw them when they won titles a few years ago and that drive and enthusiasm is still evident.

''Don't forget Derry played in Division One all season.

''We hope that we can take them, but we know that we have a very tight 70 minutes ahead of us.

''They will be no pushovers by any means. They will travel in great hope and they will be up for it,'' said Cahill, who believes his side are ready to peak.

''We've done all the heavy work, it's all about hurley now, and hopefully the players will be fresh for Saturday.

''Obviously, my sight are set on Croke Park, but we will to deal with Derry first.''

There were no real surprises in Cahill's side with the shrewd Tipperaryman going for a settled side.

Cahill, in fact, goes for the same formation that gave Tipp such a hard time in last season's All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals.

The only change from the semi-final victory over Down is the return of Liam Watson in place of Aidan Mort at right corner forward.

Big boost

''Although the side is the same as last season, we have a very strong panel, and this season is the first in which we had trouble picking the side.''

The Oak Leaf hurling supporters will be travelling to Belfast more in hope than confidence as they wonder if the county will return to the glory years when they won back-to-back titles.

The big change for Derry is return of Gary Biggs into the attack following a hernia operation, which will be the boost they required.

The talented Banagher clubman will start his first game since the opening round of the National Hurling League in February last with Cathal McKeever on the bench.

The other change sees Peter O'Kane returning to the exclusion of Aaron McCloskey.

Antrim: DD Quinn; M Kettle, K Kelly, J Campbell; M McCambridge, K McKeegan, C Herron; C Cunning, J Connolly; Paddy Richmond, C McGuckian, Liam Richmond; L Watson, G O'Kane, B McFall.

Derry: K Stevenson; P McVeigh, E McKeever, C McEldowney; D Magill, M Conway, P O'Kane; R Convery, P Carton; G Biggs, O Collins, capt, R Kennedy; J O'Dwyer, M Collins, D McGrellis.