Previews for this weekend's Allianz NHL matches.
Allianz National Hurling League Division 1
Kilkenny v Wexford, Nowlan Park, Sunday, 6.15pm.
Wexford dropped two valuable points at home last Sunday and are in danger of losing out in the lucrative stages if they fail against this weekend. Kilkenny displayed a lot of courage and skill when going down to Cork and coming away with a prized scalp, no doubt the Cats were severely wounded last September, so why not show to all and sundry who the real champs really are. Henry Shefflin is gradually finding his feet after a long injury lay-off and that can only spell trouble for all opposing defences.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, Sunday, 3.30pm.
Still one of the favourites to lift the McCarthy cup in September, Galway are proving to be a quality side with oodles of talented performers, whether they can obtain that special blend which is required to be a great team is anyone’s guess. They came trough patch last Sunday against Wexford to eventually pocket the two points and in Ger Farragher they possess a real gem. Tipperary we hear were not fully tuned in when they meekly lost to Clare so expect a bit of a backlash in Salthill but will it be good enough. Verdict: Galway
Clare v Cork, Ennis, Sunday, 3.30pm.
How good are Clare? Recent results would suggest that they have turned the bad corner and are seriously gearing themselves up for a real good bash at regaining the Munster crown. Cork waltzed through the League picking up points everywhere they went and although they slipped up against Kilkenny you write them off at your peril. Perhaps they feel that they have done enough as they prepare for the bigger confrontations later. Verdict: Clare
Division 1 Relegation section
Waterford v Antrim, Walsh Park, Sunday, 3.30pm.
Waterford do not appear to be any danger of the big drop, they passed their main test when seeing off Limerick and should not have any difficulty in dealing with the challenge posed by Antrim. Verdict: Waterford
Laois v Down, Portlaoise, Sunday, 12.15pm
An early start for those two contenders, Down done their hopes no harm with that fine win over Dublin while Laois battled back for a share of the spoils in Casement Park. This could be another close encounter with the home side getting the vote. Verdict Laois
Dublin v Limerick, Parnell Park, Sunday, 2pm
Dublin have yet to register a win in the current League and are hardly likely to break that unwanted sequence this weekend either. Limerick despite recent displays are on the way back. Interest is renewed and a couple of favourable results could work wonders. Verdict: Limerick
Division 2.
Offaly must beat Kerry or else they miss the Leinster Championship next season. It is as bleak as that. Even a victory next Sunday does not guarantee safety, if Carlow win all their remaining games then there is little Offaly can do and that is all possible.
