All-Ireland Championship: hurling match previews, where to watch, free tips & TV

Free hurling tips, best bets and analysis for the weekend's All-Ireland Championship games.

Galway v Tipperary

Where to watch

RTE 2, 1.15pm Saturday

Best bets

Galway +1
2pts 4-5 Paddy Power

A draw or either team to win by less than four points
3pts 4-6 Ladbrokes

Over 51.5 points
2pts 5-6 Paddy Power

Conor Whelan to score a goal
1pt 7-4 Boylesports

Brian Concannon to score a goal
1pt 15-8 Paddy Power

Match preview

Tipperary and Galway always seem to bring the best out in each other and this knockout clash has the makings of what could be the game of the season, with Galway making most appeal with a one-point handicap in their favour.

The Tribesmen appeared to dominate play against Kilkenny in last weekend's Leinster Final but managed to come out on the losing side after a 40-second period of madness and magic that saw Kilkenny register back-to-back goals.

It was the sort of game that Brian Cody relishes engineering a victory in, and had Galway not been so wasteful, squandering 12 wides, then the likelihood is that we'd be talking about them as the biggest threat to Limerick in this year's championship.

On the other hand, Tipperary also hit 18 wides in their four-point triumph over Cork and their consistent ability to clock up sizeable scores might well ensure this game exceeds the total points tally of 51.5, worth chancing at 5-6.

The Premier County were able to call on an impressive cast to come off the bench and make an impact against the Rebels, a hugely valuable asset at hurling's top table, but the manner in which they were left completely open at the back for Patrick Horgan's first-half goal suggests Galway could be able to rattle the Tipperary net.

Sharp-shooters Brian Concannon and Conor Whelan thrive in situations where there's space to manoeuvre inside defensive lines and at 15-8 and 7-4, the two forwards are worth supporting for a goal.

Only a point separated the sides in their last three championship clashes in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 All Ireland semi-finals so Ladbrokes' market that allows for a draw or either team to win by less than four points looks a rock-solid choice at 4-6.

Waterford v Clare

Where to watch

Sky Sports Mix, 3.45pm Saturday

Best bets

Clare +3
2pts 10-11 Paddy Power

Clare half-time, Waterford full-time
1pt 9-2 Boylesports

Tony Kelly to be awarded Hurler of the Year
1pt 6-1 Paddy Power

Match preview

The decisive nature of Clare's victory over Wexford showed a significant spirit in the Banner outfit, having only just held on against Laois in their previous outing, and Brian Lohan's men look to be underestimated in the market as they face an up-and-coming Waterford side.

The beaten Munster finalists are undoubtedly a different animal from the opposition Clare faced last weekend, with Wexford failing to get off the ground in this year's championship, but Waterford put in a huge effort in defeat against Limerick, and that performance could take a physical and psychological toll.

Clare have the advantage of an extra day to prepare and look value in with a three-point start in the handicap market, but the biggest concern is that they are having their third game in 14 days, an identical challenge to the one that stunted Cork's progress last week.

The Rebels tired late on as they were outscored 1-4 to 0-2 in the final 13 minutes (including stoppage time) against Tipperary and there could be a danger of a similar scenario unfolding here for Clare.

In their three championship fixtures this year, Clare have been outscored after the break by a combined total of 19 points, conceding second-half tallies of 0-21 to Limerick, 2-11 against Laois (albeit with 14 men) and 0-14 to Wexford when facing a strong breeze.

The 9-2 about Clare leading at half time and Waterford, who disrupted Limerick from their flow last week, being ahead at full time looks appealing.

Tony Kelly is in the form of his life at the moment, scoring 1-15 from 18 shots last week and accounting for all but six points of Clare's tally.

Across their three championship matches in 2020, Kelly has been responsible for 62 per cent of his side's overall scores, notching 17 points against Limerick and 13 against Laois.

Given his sensational impact on this year's competition, 6-1 could be generous about him being crowned Hurler of the Year, a prize he won in 2013.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport