All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship predictions and GAA betting tips: Kilkenny can rout Galway in Leinster opener

Best bets

Kilkenny -3
3pts 10-11 BoyleSports

Kilkenny -6
2pts 2-1 BoyleSports

Over 52.5 points in Clare v Cork
2pts 20-23 Paddy Power

Limerick -5
2pts Evens BoyleSports

Allianz Hurling League predictions

Kilkenny vs Galway predictions

RTE, 3.45pm Saturday

Galway made a bright start to their league campaign, most notably beating Kilkenny in the second round at Nowlan Park.

However, they were exposed badly in the latter stages of the league, suffering heavy defeats to Limerick and Cork, and they haven't impressed up front this year.

Kilkenny endured a shaky league campaign but they should have far too much quality with Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody and John Donnelly back to full fitness. Although their panel is a bit thin, Derek Lyng's men are set to field a strong 15, even if TJ Reid is missing.

The jury is still out on Galway and Kilkenny can take care of them convincingly.

Clare vs Cork predictions

RTE, 2pm Sunday

There's no getting away from how poor Clare were during the league, particularly in the latter stages when they suffered a 15-point trouncing by Cork and lost to Tipperary despite their opponents having nothing to play for after already securing a final spot.

With the exception of Shane O'Donnell, they've named an almost identical 15 to last year's All-Ireland-winning team for their opener against Cork, but you can't back them with complete confidence after their poor league showing.

Clare should be a different beast in the championship but Cork are absolutely flying and put 6-20 past Brian Lohan's men last month.

The last three meetings produced 60 points or more so a points line of 52.5 should be well within reach, particularly given Cork's proclivity for scoring goals of late.

Tipperary vs Limerick predictions

4pm Sunday

Limerick's league campaign ended in underwhelming fashion but John Kiely's men always ratchet it up to top gear once the championship rolls around and they have named a ferociously strong side to face Tipperary.

Tipperary have been playing well but suffered a crushing defeat against Cork in the league final when their half-forward line fell apart in the first half and their limitations were exposed.

They have nowhere near the same pace or power in the middle third that Cork and Limerick possess and will be up against it on Sunday. 

With Kyle Hayes, William O'Donoghue and Cian Lynch back in the starting 15, expect Limerick to lay down a big marker.

Read next:

All-Ireland Hurling Championship winner predictions and betting tips: Waterford set to make a big splash 

Weekend All-Ireland Football match predictions and GAA betting tips: Cork can make life tough for the Kingdom 

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