Seán Moran previews the weekends hurling ties
Today
(2.30pm unless stated)
Division One B
Cork v Antrim, Páirc Uí Rinn, 7.30pm - Antrim seemed to have been stung by suggestions that provincial rivals Down were catching up with them and simply blitzed their neighbours all over the field. Cork were very luck to edge Wexford, but still represent an insurmountable step up for the Ulster champions.
Division Two A
Offaly v Kildare, Birr - Offaly to stay top and Kildare to stay bottom.
Division Two B
Sligo v Carlow, Tourlestane - Carlow's good start to continue.
Division Three B
Fermanagh v Monaghan, Irvinestown.
Tomorrow
Division One A
Waterford v Dublin, Walsh Park, 1.30pm - This has been a slightly weird fixture in recent times. Dublin had a famous win two years ago, but got an awful mauling a year later. The player drain continued during the week in the capital and they look ill-equipped to prevent a third heavy defeat in a row in this season's campaign. Waterford brushed Laois aside more easily than had been expected and look solid.
Clare v Galway, Cusack Park, Live TG4 - The tougher half of Clare's programme begins here against a Galway side slightly uneasy at the defeat in Kilkenny. For a start they were startlingly dependent on Ger Farragher for scores (0-15 out of 1-21) and their defence leaked four goals.
Clare's full forwards scored 1-19 against Dublin and will be exerting big pressure on Galway's defence. This will probably decide which of these teams goes into the top three and, at the moment, the home side have the edge.
Laois v Kilkenny, Portlaoise, 3pm - There's been no messing with Kilkenny this season whereas Paudie Butler will have been disappointed by Laois's last outing against Waterford. There'll hardly be much respite for the home side here.
Division One B
Tipperary v Wexford, Semple Stadium - Tipp will be aware that they can take little out of the match in Limerick given the chaotic state of the opposition. But at least the new forwards took advantage of what was on offer with Evan Sweeney and Darragh Egan impressively sharp.
Injuries continue to haunt Séamus Murphy, with Doc O'Connor - who has been deputising for Darragh Ryan at full back - also out with a knee problem. Declan Ruth switches to unfamiliar surroundings on the edge of the square.
The home defence is less makeshift and that may swing the outcome.
Limerick v Down, Gaelic Grounds, 1pm - Once more Limerick must start from scratch, although their opponents won't be in particularly better form after the trimming by Antrim. The retention of Pad Joe Whelahan's selectors didn't seem to go down well with the county board and Limerick will be hoping that the players are a bit more impressed. Still, these are guaranteed points.
Division Two A
Roscommon v Westmeath, Athleague - The points here will be making the short trip back across the Shannon.
Division Two B
Meath v Kerry, Navan, 12.30pm - Kerry will beware of a backlash here with the home side having changed management, but on form they should win.
Wicklow v London, Arklow - London's win over Meath might have been due to factors other than their great improvement. This will test the matter. Home win.
Division Three A
Leitrim v Donegal, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Mayo v Longford, Castlebar.
Division Three B
Cavan v Tyrone, Breffni Park, 1.30pm.
