Allianz NHL Division 1A
Down v Waterford
Seems a bit pointless this one. Waterford will do their chances of making it to the knock-outs a few favours here.
The smart money is on an absolute hammering as Waterford are growing stronger every week and Down have been sinking since the opening day.
Down will be glad to be back in Division 2 next year where they can develop a side that will be stronger on their next visit to the top flight. The defeats they have suffered this year have added nothing to the competition and they could lose heavily here.
Verdict: Waterford
Wexford v Cork
Up until John Allen named his starting XV for the game at Wexford Park on Sunday it appeared that the Model county could have a realistic chance of causing somewhat of an upset.
However, the side is practically the same as the XV that claimed the All-Ireland SHC final last September, minus the Newtownshandrum trio and Sean Og O hAilpin.
Wexford are still struggling to find consistency but they are slowly improving despite the loss of a number of regulars. The Modelmen will not have enough petrol in the tank to cope with the high speed of the Cork hurling unit.
Verdict: Cork
Clare v Offaly
Expect a bruiser at Cusack Park on Sunday afternoon. Both teams have a realistic chance of making it too the knock-out stages and there is no love lost between the sides. Their style is similar though Offaly have more forwards capable of taking scores from out the field.
Clare will hit the midlanders hard and look to get their forwards into as many goalscoring positions as possible. In the past Clare have always seemed better prepared for crunch games in the league and Offaly have not been at the races for the last few years.
Verdict: Clare
Allianz NHL Division 1B
Kilkenny v Antrim
Antrim are fortunate to have secured league points in the early games. They are relatively safe from relegation and can now start to plan for the Ulster Championship with some confidence.
Kilkenny are cruising through the NHL as per usual. Despite trying out new players and tactics, Brian Cody’s side seem to relish the chance to perfect their match skills during the spring.
They will come through this encounter without too much difficulty but expect Antrim to put some degree of respectability to the scoreline.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Laois v Limerick
A bit of a mismatch here also as Limerick have been in flying form this year.
Laois have been very disappointing and very dependent James Young to perform on every occasion. Coach Dinny Cahill has no plan B at the moment.
Limerick need to run up a big score if they hope to finish on top of the Division 1B table.
Unless Laois can give TJ Ryan the run-around at full-back they are likely to be on the end of a hiding from the Shannonsiders.
Verdict: Limerick
Tipperary v Galway
It’s do or die time for these two sides. Do, by winning at Thurles, and make the knock out stages or die, by succumbing to another NHL loss, and be dragged into the relegation zone.
Galway are on the up following Portumna’s success. Ger Farragher could miss out but there are able contenders to fill in for him on the day.
Tipp, meanwhile, have named a side that features one of the weakest half-forward lines that has ever appeared for the Premier side. Eoin Kelly will appear at some stage but Galway should still win this one handily enough.
Verdict: Galway
