Hurling predictions & betting tips: Powerful Waterford can earn place in final

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

Best bets

Antrim
3pts 4-5 Bet365

Over 1.5 Kilkenny goals
2pts 11-10 BoyleSports

Over 52.5 points in Cork v Kilkenny
2pts evens BoyleSports

Waterford -2
1pts evens BoyleSports

Already advised (February 4)

Waterford to win Division 1
1pt each-way 15-2 Bet365 (½ odds, 2 places)

Offaly v Antrim

TG4 YouTube channel, 3pm Saturday

Graduating to Division 1A has been a baptism of fire for this youthful Offaly side, who have emerged with credit from battles against Clare and Wexford in this competition but ultimately failed to win a game.

It was always going to be a huge ask for Michael Fennelly's men to take on Galway, Cork and Limerick in this competition having won the Christy Ring Cup last year, but their scoring difference of -83 is considerably worse than Antrim's -40 at the bottom of Division 1B.

Antrim, like Offaly, have gone 0-5 in the league this term but only just came up short against Kilkenny when they could even have bagged a draw but for a stellar Darren Brennan goal-save in the 71st minute.

The Saffrons missed out by only one point against Laois, four against Dublin and even gave Waterford a scare when a stoppage-time penalty save denied them a share of the spoils.

For all that Offaly have faced better sides, Antrim's form looks a fair deal stronger.

With their fate already sealed going into last weekend, little should be read into the Ulster side's heavy defeat to Tipperary last time. They look strong value to win this relegation tie.

Cork v Kilkenny

TG4, 7.15pm Saturday

This has all the makings of a close encounter between these major rivals and perhaps the best way into the game is to bank on a high-scoring affair in what should be ideal conditions at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Cork's tally of ten goals and 117 points in their five fixtures was by far the best scoring record in Division 1A, while Kilkenny go into the game following a smooth success in which they put up 2-21 against Waterford.

Over 52.5 points looks an achievable mark, while the Cats are worth a punt at 11-10 to score at least two goals.

Aside from raising just one green flag against Tipperary in round three, Kilkenny have bagged a brace in each of their league games this season, while Cork have coughed up five goals in five games.

Wexford v Waterford

TG4, 3.45pm Sunday

Wexford are the only unbeaten team in Division 1A but there's every chance that Waterford are a superior side and they can cover a two-point handicap when the teams meet.

The Deise were already virtually guaranteed a place in the Allianz League semi-finals when facing Kilkenny last weekend without key forward Stephen Bennett, as well as lum Lyons and Conor Prunty.

We didn't see the best version of Liam Cahill's side but they should be eager to fight for this chance to earn a place in the final, especially considering in recent years they have practically no significant silverware to show for some brilliant hurling.

Wexford deserve their place in the final four and could do no more than win their fixtures, but questions can be asked as to how strong their form is in this competition.

Limerick scored just 11 points when clashing with the Model County in round one - their lowest tally in a league game since March 2010 - while Clare and Galway failed to perform to their best when hosting Wexford in rounds two and three.

Cork were already assured a place in the semi-finals when travelling to Wexford Park last weekend.

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