Weekened previews

This weekend's matches previewed

Sunday

(3.30pm unless stated)

National Hurling League

Division One A

Waterford v Offaly, Walsh Park- Waterford's 29-point thrashing of Down last Sunday left them as division leaders thanks to their healthy points difference and another win here would see them safely through to the semi-finals.

Given Waterford's erratic league form of recent seasons, this is no mean feat, though with Eoin Kelly, Michael Walsh and young corner forward Stephen Molumphy in excellent form of late another victory is certainly within their ability.

Offaly manager John McIntyre has been blooding young players throughout the campaign - mostly through necessity - and, while last Sunday's draw with Clare was encouraging, they're unlikely to pull one over on Waterford, and a relegation play-off beckons.

Clare v Cork, Cusack Park- The big pressure here is on Clare, who need the victory to progress to the play-offs, whereas a draw would do Cork.

Both managers have been juggling team line-ups throughout the league, but Cork are now looking the more threatening, with Seán Óg Ó hAilpín resuming duties at left-half back, Diarmuid O'Sullivan at full back, and Cathal Naughton, scorer of the sensational goal over Waterford in last year's All-Ireland semi-final, starting at right corner forward.

Given all the injury problems, and the not-so-small controversy surrounding Davy Fitzgerald's absence, Clare have held up quite well during the league, and are always notoriously tough to beat at Cusask Park. Still, the money is going on Cork.

Wexford v Down, Wexford Park- Not a whole lot at stake in this game unless Cork defeat Clare. Even if those two draw, Wexford have to beat Down by 30 points, although manager John Meyler is certainly not giving up the chase. Of course, that's based on the assumption Wexford beat Down here, which they should, with the northern team still looking for the first win and carrying the crushing points difference of minus 65.

Wexford won't be at full strength, with free-taker Paul Carley missing through injury, but they should still comfortable handle Down.

Division One B

Kilkenny v Galway, Nowlan Park- "The ultimate test" declared Ger Loughane of this last-round clash with Kilkenny. "What more could you ask for from a showdown like that?"

It certainly is a game of high stakes, as a win for Galway will send them straight into the semi-finals and leave league holders Kilkenny hoping Tipperary don't suffer an unlikely collapse against Dublin. But there's enough rivalry between these two teams to ensure sparks will fly, no matter what the immediate consequences.

Galway's 0-26 score against Tipperary last Sunday suggests the defeat to Dublin was a temporary blip on their progress under Loughnane, but after some early-season blips of their own, Kilkenny are clearly back to their best as well - not least of all Eddie Brennan and Martin Comerford.

There can't and won't be much in this in the end, but Galway's renewed fire could see them sneak it.

Limerick v Antrim, Gaelic Grounds- When Limerick beat Tipperary in the opening round the last place they expected to be this Sunday was fighting off automatic relegation.

Their superior points difference would see them survive even if they did draw here, but obviously manager Richie Bennis will be eager to halt the decline of recent weeks.

Antrim were fully deserving of their four-point win over Dublin on Wednesday night, but they are never quite the same opposition away from home, and their days in Division One are clearly numbered. Another upset can't be totally ruled out, but Limerick still have to forwards to inflict real damage on weaker opposition.

Tipperary v Dublin, Nenagh -From a game Dublin would like to win to a game they need to win - the cost of Wednesday's defeat to Antrim the difference between a guaranteed play-off place and the necessity to fight for it. Manager Tommy Naughton had no excuses other than Dublin lost the very consistency they tried so hard to establish, and it clearly won't be easy to find it again here.

Tipperary, in contrast, will relish this one, especially with Eoin Kelly back on board, one of seven changes from the defeat to Galway. There are a couple of surprise selections in Conor O'Brien and Thomas Stapleton, but manager Babs Keating must be sniffing the play-off place now.

Division Two A

Wicklow v Derry, Arklow- Wicklow are poised for a promotion play-off, but need to take a point off Derry here to ensure they clinch a semi-final place.

Carlow v Laois, Dr Cullen Park- Carlow are out of contention, while Laois will be all fired up for the win.

Meath v Armagh, Navan- Even if they win Meath are likely to miss out on the play-offs through scoring difference, although that shouldn't hold them back from a convincing home victory.

Division Two B

Kildare v Kerry, Clane; If Kerry win, they'll overtake Mayo for a quarter-final place, and there won't be much in it here.

London v Westmeath, Ruislip -Westmeath, with a points difference of plus 22 points, are still vying with Kildare (plus seven points) for the top spot, so a victory in London will obviously see them through.

Division Three A

Sligo v Donegal, Tourlestrane; Louth v Monaghan, Dundalk Gaels.

Sligo are a point ahead of Donegal at the top and will have home advantage against their north-west rivals. Both are already guaranteed a knock-out place, as are Louth.

Division Three B

Fermanagh v Roscommon, Lisnaskea; Longford v Tyrone, Pearse Park.

Roscommon have won all three games so far and will clinch a semi-final place if they beat Fermanagh. But the winners of Longford and Tyrone could overtake Roscommon at the top of the table if the westerners lose.WeekendHurling