Dublin take on Laois in their first championship outing looking to produce a performance to raise confidence following a poor start to the year.
The Dubs suffered a surprise relegation to Division 1B in the Allianz Hurling League as they paid the price for a long injury list and the positive vibe from their excellent campaign in 2011 was quickly forgotten.
Ahead of the game with Laois, they are boosted by the return of Conal Keaney, Stephen Hiney and Tomas Brady who look set to feature after long-term absences.
However, corner-forward Alan McCrabbe is an absentee after he damaged his shoulder again in training on Tuesday night.
Anthony Daly’s men should have few problems seeing off Laois and preparation ahead of a meeting with Kilkenny in the semi-final is key.
Game time is crucial to the trio’s comeback and with so many disruptions to the Dublin side, Daly will hope to use this game to find some balance in the team and in doing so he is determined to ensure that his side do not believe the game will be a formality.
Teddy McCarthy’s side progressed from their preliminary match with Carlow and he believes there is a good feeling in the camp.
Willie Hyland’s 0-13 is the type of score they need and the ruthlessness they need in front of the posts to stay with the Dubs.
Even against Carlow they squandered some chances, Limerick paid the price for not making their lead too much for Tipperary last week after dominating three-quarters of the game and that is a lesson for the O'Moore men.
McCarthy has exuded plenty of passion in recent weeks and he is up for the tough battle of uniting the county in trying to make progress. He has named an unchanged side from the win over Carlow and this match will be a measure of how they are progressing.
Dublin still look in a different league to Laois and while it might not be overly-convincing, there is little chance of a shock.
Verdict: Dublin
