Hurling predictions & betting tips: Waterford should have too much for Tipperary

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

Best bets

Under 46.5 points in Dublin v Kilkenny
1pt 5-6 Paddy Power

Draw in Dublin v Kilkenny
1pt 17-2 Paddy Power/Ladbrokes

Galway
1pt 15-8 BoyleSports

Galway +2
2pts 10-11 general

Limerick -3
2pts 5-6 Bet365

Waterford -1
3pts 10-11 Bet365

Waterford to win and Stephen Bennett to score a goal
1pt 100-30 Ladbrokes

Dublin v Kilkenny

RTE2, 5pm Saturday

Dublin were better value than their one-point margin of victory last weekend against Tipperary suggests, but the closing minutes of that clash did not make for comfortable viewing as they failed to score in the final 13 minutes.

An improved effort will be required against a Kilkenny side who Brian Cody suggested could have some of his Ballyhale Shamrocks players available for this tie.

Aside from Kilkenny's ready win over Laois in the last round, in which they outclassed their opponents, the Cats hadn't exactly light up the scoreboard in posting 21 points against both Antrim and Tipperary. Similarly, Dublin have averaged 23 points in their opening trio of games.

With that in mind - and with the prospect of a close, physical encounter between two Leinster rivals - under 46.5 points could be the best way into the game, while 17-2 about the draw likely represents some value.

Cork v Galway

RTE2, 7pm Saturday

Judging by the betting for this heavyweight clash, there appears to have been an overreaction to Cork's win against a below-form Limerick, and Galway's defeat to a red-hot Wexford side in the last round.

Considering how promisingly Galway shaped in beating Limerick by six points in round two, when the sending off of Gearoid Hegarty had a big impact, the Tribesmen are bound to give Cork a real rattle.

Last weekend's defeat to Wexford may end up being a blessing in disguise for new boss Henry Shefflin as he can keep his squad particularly hungry without getting carried away by wins over major opposition at this early stage of the campaign.

Cork appear to mean business but they will face a greater test here than last time and odds of 15-8 about Galway are simply too big.

Clare v Limerick

TG4 (delayed coverage), 1.45pm Sunday

A final scoreline of 4-20 to 0-16 may suggest that Clare's latest victory over Offaly was straightforward, but the Banner County were made to work hard by the rank outsiders of Division 1A as they opened their League account.

The return of exceptional marksman Tony Kelly, who racked up 2-12, powered the Munster side to victory against last year's Christy Ring Cup winners, but they face an altogether different test when hosting the most talented team in the country at Cusack Park this weekend.

Limerick, on a run of three straight league defeats, uncharacteristically failed to fire against Cork last Sunday, and John Kiely said his players were hurting over the performance.

For all that the Treaty County are gearing up for the Championship as opposed to this competition, expect a lively response as they take on their neighbours.

Waterford v Tipperary

TG4, 1.45pm Sunday

It could be argued that Waterford haven't been overly impressive in the opening three rounds of the Allianz League, but they still sit atop Division 1B unbeaten having outscored every side in the country.

Tipperary, workmanlike against Laois before digging deep to deny Kilkenny, received a setback when turned over by Dublin at Semple Stadium last weekend, and life is about to get even tougher as they head to Walsh Park on Sunday.

Waterford look the more exciting side in terms of firepower at this stage of the campaign and look the bet of the weekend to cover a one-point handicap.

Odds of 100-30 about Stephen Bennett, who bagged five goals in the opening two games, raising a green flag and Waterford winning the game look more than fair.

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