Hurling predictions and betting tips: Tipperary the value on half-time handicap

Free GAA hurling tips, best bets and match preview for this weekend's Munster Championship highlight.

Best bets

Tipperary +5 on half-time handicap
2pts Evens BoyleSports

Gearoid Hegarty to win RTE Man of the Match
1pt 8-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Limerick v Tipperary

RTE2, 2pm Sunday

Things are looking pretty bleak for Tipperary, who are 4-7 to finish bottom in the Munster championship after losing their first two games.

A bitterly disappointing first-half display last time out against Clare, in which they trailed 3-11 to 0-7 at the break, offered nothing like the relative promise they had shown when taking on Waterford in their opening-round clash.

The Premier County led 1-11 to 0-12 at half-time in round one before being overpowered by the second favourites for All-Ireland glory, failing by four points.

Backs are firmly against the wall in the Tipperary camp right now, and they face their biggest test yet in the shape of a Limerick side full of confidence following victories over Cork and Waterford.

Tipperary will surely come out trying to show some pride in the opening exchanges against the reigning All-Ireland champions.

They memorably led 2-16 to 0-12 at half-time in last year's Munster final against the same rivals before Limerick delivered a remarkable response to run out five-point winners.

Anything other than another win for the 8-15 All-Ireland favourites would be a shock, but Tipperary will be desperate to salvage something from what is left of their season and could be tough to catch with an 11-point handicap start.

The best bet, however, could be to trust that the Premier County can make a bright start to the game with a five-point advantage on the half-time handicap.

Gearoid Hegarty has been a seriously influential figure in Limerick's first two games of the campaign, scoring three points against Cork and two against Waterford. He has been making full use of his physicality in the build-up play for scores too.

The 2020 Hurler of the Year is worth taking a chance on in the RTE Man of the Match market at 8-1. If Tipperary are to afford Hegarty the sort of space that some of Clare's forwards were allowed last time out he should have a highly productive day at the office.

Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets

Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport