Hurling predictions and weekend betting tips: Dublin to give Wexford major test

Free GAA hurling tips, best bets and match previews for this weekend's Leinster and Munster championship fixtures.

Best bets

Dublin +3
2pts 4-5 BoyleSports

Under 51.5 points in Wexford v Dublin
2pts 5-6 BoyleSports

Over 53.5 points in Limerick v Waterford
2pts 4-5 BoyleSports

Over 3.5 goals in Limerick v Waterford
1pt 13-8 BoyleSports

Aaron Gillane (Limerick) to score a goal
1pt 6-4 BoyleSports

Tipperary half-time-Clare full-time double result
1pt 6-1 BoyleSports

Wexford v Dublin

Sky Sports Arena, 5pm Saturday

A combination of Galway faltering and Wexford's excellent resolve saw the Model County salvage a late draw in the opening round, but it could so easily have been a defeat.

Galway looked to be sailing to victory in the 62nd minute when going 1-18 to 0-15 in front but failed to put the game to bed.

Dublin will have circled this meeting from a long way out as a must-win game. They weren't overly impressive in seeing off Laois by two points, having been seven in front in the 70th minute, but improvement is highly likely.

Odds of 4-5 about the Dubs with a three-point start look generous, and there could also be some value in backing under 51.5 points at 5-6.

This progressive Wexford outfit averaged 22 points in their six league games and put up 1-19 last weekend, while Dublin's average tally in their first four league matches was 21 points, scoring 1-23 in round one of the Leinster championship.

Limerick v Waterford

Sky Sports Arena, 7pm Saturday

This promises to be a cracking clash between arguably the two best teams in the country, especially since Limerick roared back to form in readily accounting for Cork by 11 points last weekend.

Waterford's goalscoring ability will take them a long way in this year's championship, and they came from four points behind at half-time to beat Tipperary by four points in this year's opening Munster fixture.

Limerick will be hard to beat but they don't necessarily look value to cover a three-point handicap given this in-form Waterford side's quality.

The Treaty County averaged 33 points in last year's championship games and continued their free-scoring ways by putting up 2-25 on Cork last Sunday.

Waterford, fresh from bagging 22 goals in seven league games, also registered a tidy 2-24 against Tipperary last time.

Given the attacking firepower on display, over 53.5 points looks an achievable marker, while at least four goals in the game is appealing at 13-8.

Aaron Gillane raised a green flag against the Rebels in round one, just as he did in last year's All-Ireland semi-final - against Waterford - and final. Kyle Hayes, who secured Limerick's other goal last weekend, is out with a hamstring strain so the onus will be on Gillane and he can deliver.

Tipperary v Clare

RTE2, 2pm Sunday

There was no shame in Tipperary coming up short against a deeply exciting Waterford side in round one - there were definite positives to take from that performance.

Meanwhile Clare showed real potential last season but are difficult to weigh up after an underwhelming league campaign.

If at their best, the Banner are probably up to beating Tipperary but there isn't enough juice in their price to warrant backing them.

Instead, given how Colm Bonnar's men led at the break against Waterford, and the fact they could start quicker after playing last weekend, a tentative selection at 6-1 is Tipperary to be in front at half-time and Clare to win.

Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets

Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport