Patrick Kennedy looks ahead to this weekend’s Allianz NHL Division 1 A & B action.
Allianz NHL Division 1A
Offaly v Wexford (Saturday)
This one looks simple enough paper. Wexford's backs are stronger than Offaly's forwards, while the Faithful defenders are weaker than the Model attackers.
That said convention normally goes out the window for games between these two rivals.
Wexford should have learned more from their game with Clare than Offaly did in their defeat over Down.
This one should be in the balance until late in the second half when Wexford should pull away.
A win for Wexford here, coupled with a Waterford win over Clare, will see Wexford move to second place.
Verdict: Wexford
Cork v Down
Cork field a second string side but should still have far too much in reserve for Down to cope.
A hiding could be on the cards if the Mourne men fail to take the game to Cork from the throw in at Páirc Ui Rinn.
Neil Ronan will be eager to prove his credentials having been omitted from the starting line-up so far this year. He has the ability to destroy Down's challenge on his own.
A Cork win here will set them up nicely for the coming games against Clare and Wexford.
Verdict: Cork
Waterford v Clare
Waterford will confirm their place in the knockout stages with a win over Clare on Sunday.
They welcome back Ken McGrath, who returns having served a suspension, to face a Clare side that will be hurting from their eight-point loss to Wexford two weeks ago.
Clare seem to be in indifferent form at the moment and are likely to have shifted their focus to the Munster Championship already.
Two league final appearances in the last two years did Anthony Daly's troops little favours come the start of the season.
A hungrier Waterford side should brush the Banner aside with relative ease.
Verdict: Waterford
Division 1B (Saturday)
Galway v Laois
The game in Pearse Stadium on Saturday is hardly an exciting prospect. This is mainly due to the form that both sides have shown so far this year.
Both have lost to Antrim and have yet to secure a point for themselves.
Ger Farragher's free taking may decide this one unless James Young can inspire Laois to a shock win in what has been the year of shock wins – so far.
Galway will be happier next time out with the Portumna contingent returning and should have a victory over Laois to build on.
Verdict: Galway
Antrim v Tipperary
Tipp are in danger against an impressive Antrim side as the Saffrons have yet to show any signs of vertigo at the top of the division.
They are fortunate that they are facing a Tipperary side that is struggling to get into shape for the NHL challenges.
Normally this meeting would have the Antrim goalkeeper dreading the future strain in his arms from pucking out the ball so much. Not so this time.
Tipp will still be most people's favourites in what is likely to be a close encounter.
However, Antrim should show that they have learned to hold out for a win.
Verdict: Antrim
Limerick v Kilkenny
But for a last minute Tipperary goal against Limerick this would be the clash of the top two in the division.
Both have shown impressive form thus far, though Limerick show signs of a more settled team –something that will please Joe McKenna ahead of the Championship.
The more skilful Cats will try and lay down a marker for the rest of the season and destroy the Limerick, undoubtedly one of the form sides this year.
While Kilkenny should enjoy a victory here both sides will feature in the knockout stages.
Verdict: Kilkenny
