GAA: Saturday's Hurling betting preview, tips, TV details and throw-in times

Dublin v Galway
Parnell Park, 7pm Saturday

It’s knockout hurling for the home side at Parnell Park on Saturday evening as Dublin host Galway with their championship hopes on the line.

A win, a draw and a loss from three games has left Dublin in a precarious position, but winning this match would be likely to put them through, unless Kilkenny and Wexford draw, in which case scoring difference is likely to eliminate the Dubs.

In any case, all that’s on Mattie Kenny’s mind will be a win and he needs a big performance from his side.

Dublin looked to have got off to a great start in the first half against Kilkenny in round one but they fell apart in the second half and things haven’t greatly improved since although they rescued a draw against Wexford and defeated Carlow.

They have shown they that can compete with the top sides, but that elusive win against one of them is proving difficult. Against a Galway side pretty much assured of their place in the top three, this might be their best chance yet.

Galway looked back to their best against Kilkenny last Sunday in one of the best games this summer. Cathal Mannion showed his class at half-forward and hitting six points from play was top class. Johnny Glynn’s return to the starting line-up was also a great help as they badly need his physicality, especially in Joe Canning’s absence.

This has all the makings of a defining moment for this Dublin side and a win can push them on to the next level. It’s likely to be a lot tighter than the bookmakers expect and Dublin could just be the value pick on home soil.

Recommendations
Dublin
2pts 2-1 BoyleSports

Wexford v Kilkenny
Wexford Park
Sky Sports Arena, 7pm Saturday

A tight affair is likely when Kilkenny visit their neighbours Wexford on Saturday evening in another Leinster clash with the home side as outsiders.

The sides have had completely contrasting preparations for this clash with Wexford easily overcoming Carlow last week while the Cats had a ferocious battle with Galway last Sunday, ending up on the losing side.

Kilkenny’s never-say-die attitude was out in force at Nowlan Park as TJ Reid, although finishing on the losing side, cemented his place as one of the best hurlers to have donned the Kilkenny jersey.

That he is being compared to some of the all-time greats while still playing is a mark of his class and his 2-11 (0-6f) and nine clean catches last Sunday almost ground out a huge win for Kilkenny.

It was evident how much Kilkenny rely on Reid and the absence of Walter Walsh did not help. They will be grateful that only a Dublin win can deny them a top-three spot, but they won't be complacent.

They face a Wexford side who have hurled in fits and spurts this year. Their clash with Galway epitomised all that was good and bad about Wexford hurling in recent seasons. A hopeless first-half display was followed by a fight back and they were probably unlucky not to come away with the win.

This is probably going to be a harder task again for Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford side and they face a massive uphill struggle against a Kilkenny team who look stronger all over the field.

A defeat is likely and it could spell the end of Davy Fitz’s Wexford tenure.

Recommendation
Kilkenny -2
2pts 21-20 Betway

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport