Hurling predictions and betting tips: Kilkenny to keep it tight with Tipperary

Free GAA hurling tips, best bets and match previews for this weekend's Allianz Hurling League fixtures.

Best bets

Antrim +7
1pt 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Galway
1pt 11-4 Ladbrokes

A draw or either team to win by less than four points in Limerick v Galway
2pts evens Ladbrokes

Laois +10
1pt evens general

Kilkenny +3
2pts 5-6 general

Kilkenny
1pt 15-8 general

Antrim v Dublin

BBC iPlayer, 2pm Saturday

Antrim rallied gallantly to give Kilkenny a real scare late on last weekend when beaten by just three points, and they may be able to keep things close against Dublin.

The Saffrons could have bagged a draw in round one but for a stellar Darren Brennan save in the 71st minute to deny what looked a significant goal chance, while Dublin shared the honours in their tie against Waterford last Sunday.

Dublin might be more advanced than some sides at this stage of the season, but the trip to Corrigan Park this weekend won't be entirely straightforward.

Antrim were tough to beat at home during last year's league campaign, upsetting Clare, drawing with Wexford and beating Laois.

Limerick v Galway

RTE2, 7pm Saturday

League favourites Limerick looked rusty in a rare defeat to Wexford last weekend, notching just 11 points, their lowest total in a league game since 2010.

John Kiely won't panic this early in the season. He likes to bring his teams along gradually to peak for the championship, and even last year we saw Galway were more advanced and beat the Treaty County by six points in this very round of the league.

The Tribesmen didn't have to be at their best and left plenty of scores behind them when readily brushing aside Offaly by 17 points last weekend, taking a sizeable step forward from their Walsh Cup form.

New boss Henry Shefflin looks to have some quality weapons at his disposal for the league, a competition in which Galway won four of their five games last season.

Limerick are still clearly the best side in the country and head into this as four-point favourites, but they won't be playing at the top of their game yet and this has the makings of a close encounter.

Evens about a draw or either team to win by less than four points looks a solid play, while a chance is also taken on Galway springing a surprise.

Waterford v Laois

2pm Sunday

Outsiders Laois emerged with credit from their four-point defeat to Tipperary last Saturday - the handicap was set at ten - and a tougher test could be on the cards when they head to Walsh Park to face Waterford.

The handicap is set at ten points again - but manager Seamus Plunkett appears to mean business and his side can keep matters relatively close with the Deise.

Waterford are without their Ballygunner representatives due to the club's involvement in Saturday's All-Ireland Senior Championship decider against Ballyhale, and this could develop into a scrap.

Tipperary v Kilkenny

TG4, 3.45pm Sunday

No matter what time of year it is, there's rarely an occasion when these two sides fail to deliver an entertaining clash, and Kilkenny get the nod to upset Tipperary.

Brian Cody described the Cats' winning performance against Antrim as "very, very average" and he will surely be looking for a response from his team against their old rivals, who had the look of a team in transition when failing to really impress against Laois last weekend.

Kilkenny won four of their five league games last season, whereas Tipperary secured just two wins and two draws.

A three-point head-start for the reigning Leinster champions looks generous, despite their Ballyhale players being tied up in club matters this weekend.

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