GAA Hurling: Sunday Allianz League match previews and tips

Cork v Tipperary, Pairc Ui Rinn, 2pm

This match was abandoned at late notice last week due to a waterlogged pitch, but although Cork have had their fair share of pitch problems this year their hurling has been of a much higher standard.

It’s two weeks since they were impressive winners over All Ireland Champions Limerick and they’ve found form as the league has progressed.

They were poor against Kilkenny in the opening round, but since then they have completely turned it around and will be confident of beating a Tipperary side who are struggling to hit their stride.

They were probably unlucky to lose to Kilkenny two weeks ago, but they’ve been poor throughout the league and a trip to Cork is not what they need.

With their chances of progressing to the knockout stages gone, they’ll be focusing on putting in a strong performance that can get them into shape for the coming months and the championship ahead.

Liam Sheedy has had his side training in Spain for the past week so it’s clear his focus has already shifted away from this tie and towards their opening round Munster championship clash with Cork on May 12. John Meyler has made just one change to the side he named last weekend, with the lively Alan Cadogan taking his place at corner-forward.

While they are still without star man Daragh Fitzgibbon, they will hope to secure a quarter-final slot with a win here, something they missed out on last year.

Recommendations
Cork
2pts 4-5 Paddy Power
Cork -3
1pt 2-1 BoyleSports

Wexford v Kilkenny, Innovate Wexford Park, 2pm

Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald would have been hoping that this game went ahead seven days ago in the inclement weather to really test out his side in a battle, but he’s likely to get something similar on Sunday and this is likely to help their chances.

There’s no doubt Davy will have been targeting this game all year and he’d love nothing more than to take a big scalp on home soil.

Brian Cody’s Kilkenny side have been hit-and-miss n the league, folding tamely against Limerick in Nowlan Park, but they produced a remarkable performance seven days later to overturn Tipperary in Semple Stadium.

They deserve huge credit for how quickly they turned things around and they looked like a different team, albeit against a Tipperary side who are struggling this season. They are however, still struggling to get enough on the scoreboard with their talisman TJ Reid.

They had just nine points from play against Tipperary in that win which is just not enough. Wexford, by contrast, have shown their scoring potential, having twelve different scores in their clash with Clare. It shows the quality Fitzgerald has around the field and he has named an unchanged side.

On home soil, Davy will be hoping his side bring a battle to Kilkenny and that could prove the difference.

Recommendations
Wexford +1
3pts Evs general
Wexford
1pt 6-4 Paddy Power

Waterford v Galway, Walsh Park, 2pm

Although both these sides are guaranteed a knockout-stage spot, this could be a key game for Waterford in particular going into the championship.

Fresh off the news that they will be permitted to host Munster championship games in Walsh Park this summer, Waterford need to make use of that home advantage and show teams who are due to visit later in the year, that this is not an easy place to come.

Clare in particular have shown the advantage that a home stadium can make and Waterford will be hoping to follow their example, with a similar tight pitch.

Waterford almost snatched victory in Parnell Park two weeks ago against Dublin while Galway have ambled their way through the league, happy to try out their panel and drawing with Carlow in the process. This tie will certainly mean a lot more to Waterford and they will look to make use of home advantage and lay down a marker for the year ahead.

Recommendation
Waterford draw no bet
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes

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