Hurling league previews

Compiled by KEITH DUGGAN

SUNDAY

DIVISION ONE A

Dublin v Cork, Croke Park 2pm – The injury Liam Rushe suffered on the opening day against Galway served as a reminder Dublin require a full bill of health when it comes to the All-Ireland championship. The league champions looked flat in Salthill and now face a lively test against a Cork team buzzing from the Jimmy Barry Murphy effect.

Cork have beefed up their team in physique and experience by restoring Eoin Cadogan (wing back) and Tom Kenny (midfield) to the team. All eyes will be on Middleton’s Conor Lehane after his exploits against Waterford.

Dublin may not be hell-bent on claiming league silverware but won’t want to slip into a losing habit either. Cork are an attractive combination of All-Ireland-winning experience and new blood and stopping Rebels on a roll – even in March – is no easy feat. Croke Park should revive the Dubs and push them to a home win.

Waterford v Kilkenny, Walsh Park 2.30pm – Waterford could do without meeting neighbours just now. That heavy opening defeat to Cork and a Walsh Cup final defeat to Clare in addition to the controversial departure of Eoin Kelly now leaves them in a vulnerable place. Kilkenny’s efficient disposal of Tipperary was an indication it will be business as usual in the league.

Michael Ryan’s plans have been hampered by a significant injury list. While Kilkenny are operating without Henry Shefflin, their reserves run deep. Richie Power’s display last time out showed if one star forward doesn’t step up, another invariably will. Waterford’s losing streak looks set to continue for another week.

Tipperary v Galway, Semple Stadium 2.30pm – Bernard Burke has been rewarded for a promising appearance from the bench against Dublin with a starting place for Galway. His inclusion ahead of Barry Daly is the only change Anthony Cunningham has made.

The upheaval in Tipperary’s team has been significant: five changes, with Shane McGrath and James Woodlock – who hit 0-5 in last weekend’s Crystal Cup win over Clare – deepening the experience. The selection of Shane Bourke should sharpen the minds of the Galway men. There is the sense Tipperary are still reeling from “life after Lar” syndrome and a win would do much to assure them they are still a team after all. The pressure to restore confidence should be enough to see Tipperary claim the points.

DIVISION ONE B

Clare v Antrim, Cusack Park 2.30pm – Clare’s comprehensive win over Limerick was impressive but Davy Fitzgerald was quick to dampen its significance and predicted a different attitude in the Munster championship. Fitzgerald’s energies are ultimately fixed on the summer but steady displays in the league are crucial. This is a tricky assignment. Antrim were great value for their win over Wexford and are open in their ambitions about gaining promotion. This is a test to become pace-setters in the division.

Jerry Wallace has made three changes, with KB McShane, Michael Gettens and Conor McCann named in the team. Operating without the Loughgiel players who are training for the All-Ireland final, Antrim have started well, but getting a result in Ennis may be a step beyond them.

Wexford v Offaly, Wexford Park 2.30pm – Liam Dunne showed courage in naming a young side for his first league game for what was, in retrospect, a tough away assignment against Antrim. This match takes on a weighty dimension as two proud hurling counties strive to hold on to what they have.

A bright spring in Offaly, with Ollie Baker also shaping a new team there while the emergence of Coolderry as All-Ireland club contenders has done much for morale. David Redmond and Harry Kehoe will form a fresh midfielder partnership for the home team, with Darren Stamp dropping down to the bench. Home advantage may help Wexford edge it.

Laois v Limerick, Portlaoise 2.30pm – Operating without the services of Declan Hannon and Kevin Downes seriously blunts the Limerick attack and, once again, John Allen has been forced to select a team without them.

There is just one change to the team that lost heavily to Clare, with Stephen Walsh coming in at right-corner back and Limerick need this win if they are to get back on track. Laois’s opening day was hardly encouraging and Teddy McCarthy’s options are limited – he has made just one change for this match. The Cork man has praised the commitment of his squad but a home win against a Limerick team in keen need of points is too much to expect.