GAA: Sunday's best hurling bets, odds, tips & kick-off times

Limerick v Cork
Gaelic Grounds, 4pm Sunday

The 2018 All-Ireland champions open their 2019 campaign at home against a Cork side under pressure to get a result.

John Meyler’s Cork team will have been disappointed with a poor start to their Munster title defence last Sunday as they were thoroughly beaten by Tipperary.

Patrick Horgan the only bright spot. His exceptional free-taking and some top-class scores from play kept Cork in the game but they were well beaten all over the field, with their half-back line under serious pressure.

Meyler has made a number of changes, particularly in the half-back line, with Robert Downey and Mark Ellis coming into the starting line-up, while Bill Cooper will join Darragh Fitzgibbon at midfield.

Limerick had last week off as they completed their final preparations and John Kiely will have his side in top shape.

They secured the league title and the additions to their panel have worked well. Peter Casey is the only change to the team who started last year’s All Ireland final, taking over from Seamus Flanagan, but Kiely will use his panel and that’s where Limerick are at their strongest.

A big fightback is expected from Cork as they are in serious trouble if they lose, with a trip to Ennis to come later in the campaign. But Limerick look superior and should pull away.

Recommendations
Limerick -3
4pts 11-10 Paddy Power

Dublin v Wexford
Parnell Park, 3pm Sunday

Dublin had a tough opening to their campaign with a trip to Kilkenny last Saturday and their second-half performance left a lot to be desired.

They now face a Wexford side coming in fresh after an extra week of preparation, but Mattie Kenny will be expecting a response from his side in what is likely a must-win encounter for the Dubs.

Kenny’s team had the better of Kilkenny in the first half and it may have been different but for Sean Moran putting his second penalty over the bar after scoring his first.

It was encouraging to see the damage the Dublin forward line caused with Liam Rushe making trouble for the Kilkenny defence while Danny Sutcliffe was dangerous in the first half. Dublin fell apart in the second half, however, and Kilkenny took full advantage.

Wexford open their championship after a solid league campaign where they finished second before suffering a heavy loss to Galway in the quarter-finals.

Davy Fitzgerald’s side looked good at times during the league but they failed to put together a run of games which is worrying for their prospects in a tough Leinster Championship.

This is likely to be a close contest with home advantage shading it for Dublin as they looked to get their campaign back on track.

Recommendations
Dublin
3pts Evs general

Carlow v Kilkenny
Dr Cullen Park, 3pm Sunday

Carlow put up a great fight against Galway last weekend and they can also be competitive against Kilkenny.

Carlow have made huge strides in recent seasons and a six-point loss in Galway was not a bad result. Martin Kavanagh was the star for Carlow again, hitting 0-11, and Brian Cody will undoubtedly have a close eye on him.

Kilkenny opened their campaign with a win over Dublin following a convincing second-half performance and Carlow will have to watch Kilkenny’s dangerous half-forward line of Walter Walsh, TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen.

While Kilkenny should win fairly comfortably, Carlow have the ability to cause them problems and can stay within the handicap.

Recommendations
Carlow +11
2pts Evs Betfair, Paddy Power, Sky Bet

Tipperary v Waterford
Semple Stadium, 2pm Sunday

Tipperary tackle Waterford at Semple Stadium on Sunday with the Deise men knowing they must come away with a positive result or likely fail to get out of Munster again.

Many were writing off Tipperary before the championship even began but it’s now clear that Liam Sheedy was using the league to get his side fit and ready.

It is a while since we’ve seen a Tipperary team in such good order and they were a joy to watch last Sunday, albeit against a disappointing Cork side.

John 'Bubbles' O’Dwyer looks fitter than ever and their all-Maher half-back line looked solid, although that’s likely to be broken up this week. Bubbles has always been one of the top hurlers in Ireland but he has struggled with his fitness and form. He hit seven points from play last week and played a magnificent pass for John McGrath’s goal.

Waterford were disappointing at home in their opener and after so much was said about their return to Walsh Park, they failed to make the most of it.

Their distribution to their forward line was poor and big improvements are needed around the field. Waterford have overhauled their full-forward line in an attempt to win more ball in the forwards and Patrick Curran is a great addition.

However, Tipperary are going to be difficult to stop. Liam Sheedy has ignited their hurlers and they can make it two wins from two.

Recommendations
Tipperary -3
2pts 5-6 general
A Gleeson over 2.5pts
2pts Evs BoyleSports

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook