National Leagues: Today's previews

National Hurling League

(All matches at 2.30 unless stated)

Division One A:

Galway v Clare, Ballinasloe - Flawed wins for both teams last week. Despite a strengthened defence, Clare got slapped for a couple of late goals by Dublin and turned what had been a procession into a bit of an undignified scramble. Galway for their part hardly hurled a stroke in the first half and cussedly saved their best until playing against the wind. The conditions were made for Joe Rabbitte and he was a central figure in the victory after coming on as a substitute. Noel Lane and his selectors keep faith with the starting line-up whereas Clare have to replace Colm Forde who was injured during an impressive display at corner back and is replaced by Brian Quinn. Clare are displaying more earnest endeavour at the moment and should prove tougher opposition than an experimental Kilkenny side. Away win.

Dublin v Waterford, Parnell Park - Dublin showed a bit of stomach in coming back against Clare but hadn't been hectic for the rest of the match. Waterford were shooting fish in a barrel against Meath but a big score in such a fixture doesn't take the worn look off the attack and the familiarity of some of the names coming through the revolving door leaves a question mark over the extent of the team's potential. Still they can tuck away the points here.

Kilkenny v Meath, Nowlan Park - Kilkenny's testing continues but this won't be too revealing as Meath are struggling to keep their heads above water. Another deluge on the way.

Division One B:

Wexford v Tipperary, Wexford Park, 1.30 - Both sides involved in good matches last week but neither won. Tipp had the beating of Limerick, but lacked a certain urgency compared to the opposition, while Wexford were well banged away by Cork. The All-Ireland champions lack a physical focus up front in the absence of Declan Ryan and it remains to be seen how their tactics adapt. Wexford are also experimenting but resources looked a bit thin in Cork last week with the supply to lively forwards drying up. Achieving a balance throughout the field remains a work in progress. The counties delivered an unexpected epic last August. Less likely today, although Tipp can again emerge on top.

Offaly v Limerick, Birr - Gratifying display by Limerick in Thurles. Mark Keane took his goals well and the team dug in well for the final heave, picking off the winning points in a manner reminiscent of what they couldn't do last summer. Offaly are under-strength and conducting trials but survived comfortably in Derry last week. This will be trickier.

Division Two A:

Westmeath v Roscommon, Mullingar - Home win in battle of also-rans.

National Football League

Division One A:

Cork v Offaly, Pβirc Ui Chaoimh - What's happened Cork since they nearly drowned in Mullingar? A gritty display in Galway was followed by something altogether more striking against Dublin last week. The defence has tightened up, the centrefield found its feet, and the forwards take it in turns to deliver. Offaly have had a frustrating campaign, coming up narrowly short in all matches except last week's clearcut defeat by Tyrone. The graphs of the teams are heading in different directions. And should continue to do so today.

Roscommon v Westmeath, Hyde Park - Westmeath are getting back to full strength and not before time as the relegation trap is yawning and the frustration showed in last week's narrow defeat by Donegal. With Tyrone to come this looks to represent a last chance for Luke Dempsey's team - and they may take it against their busy neighbours.