Cork’s road back to the top can start with a comprehensive win over Clare

You'll search long and hard to find a lower-key fixture including a supposed contender. Cork still have a squad that is the envy of all but maybe four or five teams in the country yet here they stand, unloved and unfancied. A second successive league that ended with a lesson from Dublin has sent them into the championship with expectations at a crushing low. It's a saving grace of sorts that Páirc Uí Chaoimh isn't available of this. Die-hards only need apply.

Clare’s gallop has been halted too, the cruciate injury to Podge Collins a particularly cruel blow. So much of their anticipated upward curve was based on his creativity on their half-forward line. Without him, they become a bit pedestrian, ever-more reliant on the drive provided by Gary Brennan from midfield.

Cork have put Alan O’Connor straight back in the side and could have done without Eoin Cadogan’s absence. But Brian Cuthbert is clearly happy enough in what he has to leave Daniel Goulding and Fintan Goold on the bench.

The league runners-up are better than the gloom that surrounds them. The road back starts here. They should make hay while they can.

Last meeting: June 16th 2013, Munster SFC semi-final, Ennis - Cork 1-20 Clare 1-11.
Match odds: Cork 1/12, Clare 11/1, Draw 25/1.
Injuries: Cork must do without Eoin Cadogan and John O'Rourke through injury and Jamie O'Sullivan through suspension. Clare are missing Podge Collins.
Just the ticket: Stand €20; Terrace €10; Student & Seniors can get a €5 rebate.
Verdict: Cork

CORK: Ken O'Halloran; Conor Dorman, Michael Shields, James Loughrey; Stephen Cronin, Brian O'Driscoll, Barry O'Driscoll; Alan O'Connor, Kevin O'Driscoll; Colm O'Driscoll, Mark Collins, Paul Kerrigan; Colm O'Neill, Brian Hurley, Donncha O'Connor.
CLARE: Tba
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).