Derry return to Division Two for the first time since 2017 and host Down in Owenbeg in Saturday evening's round one tie.
Rory Gallagher's men gained promotion as Division Three winners following their facile 0-21 to 1-6 win over Offaly in Croke Park last June in what was the only football league final to take place last season.
Down, on the other hand, had to defeat Laois in a relegation play-off to retain their Division Two status with Paddy Tally stepping down in the wake of their subsequent Ulster Championship loss to Donegal.
James McCartain assumed the reins for a second term in November and the Mournemen suffered defeats to both Donegal and Antrim in the pre-season Dr McKenna Cup with Derry losing out to Donegal in the semi-final.
Here's more info on Saturday's Division Two game and how to watch it. . .
When and where is the game?
Derry v Down is in Owenbeg on the outskirts of Dungiven on Saturday, January 29.
What time does it start?
Throw-in is at 6pm.
Where can I see it?
The game is the first game to be streamed live by BBC Sport NI. The game will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer and also on the BBC Sport NI website.
Betting odds
Derry 1/3
Draw 8/1
Down 3/1
