Hurling predictions & betting tips: Classy Galway to prove too good for Clare

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

Best bets

Galway -1
3pts 5-6 bet365, BoyleSports

Cork -2
2pts Evs BoyleSports

Kilkenny +1
1pt Evs bet365, BoyleSports

Laois +9
1pt 10-11 Paddy Power

Galway v Clare

1.45pm Sunday

We didn't see the best of Galway against Cork last time out when they lacked any real bite in their attacking play.

Shooting a total of 17 wides in a game they lost by six points is just one indicator of how the Tribesmen failed to fire on all cylinders against a side who are unbeaten in four league fixtures this season.

That result ensured they will not be in the Allianz League semi-finals but Henry Shefflin's side will surely be eager to end their campaign on a high note before a massive Leinster championship when hosting Clare at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

They had previously shown major promise in beating Limerick by six points in round two.

Clare fought doggedly to secure a draw against a below-par Limerick side in the last round, with their only win in this competition coming against Offaly - and they were made to work on that occasion despite the winning margin.

Galway look at a more forward stage than Clare at this time of year and get a confident vote to cover a one-point handicap.

Wexford v Cork

1.45pm Sunday

Both sides have already secured their place in the semi-finals of the Allianz League so just how strong a team each of them field will have a significant bearing on the outcome of this fixture.

Wexford have home advantage and are on a real roll but they haven't impressed quite as much as Cork, who have attacked this competition with a vengeance after last year's All-Ireland Final annihilation.

That impression is backed up by BoyleSports' Division 1 odds heading into this weekend. Cork are 13-8 joint-favourites with Waterford to land the title, whereas Wexford are 15-2.

If that market is to be taken literally, the evens about Cork covering a two-point handicap against the Leinster outfit could be decent value.

Laois v Dublin

1.45pm Sunday

Dublin are clearly a more talented outfit than Laois but they proved bitterly disappointing against Kilkenny last time and expecting them to cover a nine-point handicap could be a stretch.

The O'Moore County registered a morale-boosting win in difficult circumstances against Antrim in the last round to ensure their Division 1 status, and are entitled to play with freedom.

They are unlikely to win but they can make life difficult for the visitors.

Kilkenny v Waterford

TG4, 1.45pm Sunday

These two teams rarely fail to deliver an entertaining clash, but Waterford are already virtually assured of a place in the semi-finals whereas Kilkenny will be trying to book their spot in the knockout stages.

The Cats, who have been without the full complement of their Ballyhale galacticos to this point, will be boosted by the homefield advantage of Nowlan Park and produced an impressive display in dismantling an in-form Dublin side in the last round.

Waterford showed their class against Tipperary when last seen too, but they may well have one eye on the semi-finals as opposed to this clash, especially with the Munster championship fast approaching.

With a one-point handicap in their favour, Kilkenny get a tentative nod to get the job done.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport