Sunday's National Hurling League Previews (3.30 unless stated)

Division One A

Limerick v Galway, Gaelic Grounds

Little at stake for either side now that both have qualified for the semi-finals. Galway have been the most impressive team in the division and have won all their matches with something in hand. This promises to be their toughest test to date against a young Limerick side which has beaten all comers.

Still in the embryonic stage, Limerick will await next month's semi-finals for a clearer picture of how they are progressing. Even tomorrow should yield useful information about the apparently thriving youngsters such as Brian Begley, Mark Keane and the remodelled T J Ryan.

Clare v Dublin, Cusack Park

A disappointing campaign nears its end for both counties. With the exception of the Galway match, Dublin have not competed well against the better teams. Clare are still tinkering with their large paneland hoping that the established players are right for the summer. They should be able to give the old O'Donnell jersey a winning send-off before the new sponsors come on board.

Offaly v Kerry, Birr

Offaly are using this banker as an opportunity to try out a few variations. Kerry will be bidding farewell to Division One.

Division One B

Waterford v Tipperary, Walsh Park

Nicholas English was right about this one. The Tipperary manager questioned the GAC's league programme which has fixed this match for the last Sunday of the regulation campaign despite the fact the counties' championship date is in little over a month. After Kilkenny's nasty surprise in New Ross, Tipperary are virtually certain of qualification. With Waterford already assured of their semi-final place, the edgy prospect which this match originally promised has receded.

It might better suit Waterford to win this given that they need to maintain the confident momentum they have built up during the campaign to date. Their performances have been more consistent than Tipperary's and merit their being favourites for this encounter.

Laois v Derry, Portlaoise, 2.0

About the only first division match with anything riding on it, this will decide who takes the drop. On the face of it, there's no great mystery. Derry can hold their heads up after competing to the best of their ability against all opponents and their scoring average is better than Laois'. The midlanders relapsed last week after the promise of Sean Cuddy's first match and were trimmed by Tipperary. Despite the scale of their beatings, Laois are still better able for this level and should prove as much tomorrow.

Cork v Wexford, Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Cork's campaign has seen frustration gradually turn into concern which could be largely allayed by a win here. Wexford's display against Kilkenny was their best in a long time and according to reports saw them start using the width of the pitch again. Whether this constitutes a genuine re-awakening of the spirit as well as the style of '96, only time will tell but on the basis of higher performance levels so far, Cork get the nod here.

Division Two

London v Kildare, Ruislip, 4.30

Kildare's good form should continue in this.

Roscommon v Meath, Athleague

After the blip on the graph against Carlow, Meath returned to winning ways and should maintain them.

Westmeath v Tyrone, St Loman's

Tyrone got away more lightly than expected last week but may not repeat the trick tomorrow.

Carlow v Down, Dr Cullen Park

In a division where most matches are fairly predictable, this looks competitive but Carlow are preferred.

Wicklow v Armagh, Arklow

Bad result against Kildare but Wicklow should get it out of their system with this.

Division Three Fixtures

Louth v Sligo (Dundalk), Donegal v Monaghan (Ballybofey), Cavan v Longford (Mullahoran), Mayo v Fermanagh (Westport)