Sunday

Kilkenny v Wexford, (Croke Park, 4.20) RTE1

The most positive thing for Wexford going into tomorrow's Guinness Leinster hurling final is that they are not under any pressure. They are the longest-odds finalists in a decade, playing a team that is 7 to 4 on to win the All-Ireland. Even if they lose, they still have one further guaranteed outing this summer and a campaign that will stretch at least nearly into August.

The mood within the county is surprisingly upbeat. At present, the minor, senior, under-21 and intermediate sides have reached their provincial finals. There is a feeling that players are in form whereas Kilkenny have injuries to key players Peter Barry and John Power. And they have little to lose in a public environment that dismisses them so readily.

Any discussion of the match is likely to focus on the potency of Kilkenny's full-forward line. DJ Carey didn't look at his fittest against Offaly but whereas his condition is likely to be better, he's not yet going to be as sharp as last year. Darragh Ryan is not a full back by inclination but will be solid and fired-up in his year as captain.

Seβn Flood occasionally looks a bit loose in the corner but he has the speed off the mark and agility to mark Charlie Carter who excelled against Offaly when under slight pressure to perform. Question is, can Flood contain him? Colm Kehoe has been a very dependable corner back for over five years. Accustomed to playing centre back for his club, he will be used to marking bigger men. But surviving in the air against Henry Shefflin only gets him to the starting line.

The crucial influence in this will be how effectively Wexford can restrain the Kilkenny half backs. Eamonn Kennedy was immense in the semi-final. Although Larry Murphy was industrious against Laois, will he able to apply himself to preventing long-range deliveries into the full forwards?

Peter Barry is a big loss for Kilkenny here despite replacement debutant Seβn Dowling's evident under-21 pedigree. Philip Larkin is prone to lapses in concentration as a marker but can extract a good price if let hurl his own ball.

The requirements for Wexford to win look too unlikely. Holding Kilkenny's half backs, defending against what does go through and matching the champions at centrefield are tall orders. Even if Wexford deliver sufficiently well to compete, it's impossible to see them accomplishing enough to win.