SATURDAY
(Matches at 7.0 unless stated)
Allianz HL Division 1A
Tipperary v Waterford
Semple Stadium (Live, Eir Sport 2)
Although Tipp stayed in the contest with Clare until the very end, there was a listlessness to the display that Michael Ryan will want to see eliminated this evening. There is every chance that they will recover, as Waterford are just inching back into action after a delayed return, and Derek McGrath is juggling a sizeable Fitzgibbon contingent.
Verdict: Tipperary
Allianz HL Division 1B
Laois v Galway
O’Moore Park
Galway's decision to ease themselves back into the league with an experimental line-up nearly came hideously unstuck after a spirited visit from Antrim. The All-Ireland champions' campaign is back-loaded and they'll be expected to win this. Laois were injury-hit against Limerick and lost Lee Cleere, who had been playing well, before half-time and won't be back to full strength for this.
Verdict: Galway
SUNDAY
(Matches at 2.0 unless stated)
Allianz HL Division 1A
Kilkenny v Clare
Nowlan Park
Recent history between the counties has been evenly divided, with three wins each in the past five seasons. Kilkenny were their familiar, combative selves in Cork and Cillian Buckley not getting the bang and better free-taking might well have won it. Clare looked sharp against Tipperary and there were signs that Tony Kelly has regained sharpness. Tight margins.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Wexford v Cork
Innovate Wexford Park (Live, TG4)
Both won on the opening weekend, and impressively: Cork for a first over Kilkenny in six years, whereas Wexford outlasted a flagging Waterford to continue a great start to 2018. The team's energy and drive were complemented by David Dunne's pace and finishing. This will be a challenge against former manager John Meyler, who introduced some useful new talent last week.
Verdict: Wexford
Allianz HL Division 1B
Offaly v Limerick
O’Connor Park
Offaly were the story of the first weekend, raiding Croke Park for a first win there in 13 years and overwhelming Dublin in the process with a fine display of long-range shooting. This will be a sterner test. Limerick have started the year well and John Kiely has evolved the team further but the win over Laois was patchy. Improvement needed.
Verdict: Limerick
Antrim v Dublin
Corrigan Park
Two opening defeats but worlds apart. Antrim gave a great account of themselves in narrowly losing to the All-Ireland champions, leading well into the last quarter, whereas Dublin went down by 13 against Offaly. Injuries aren't helping Pat Gilroy and this is suddenly daunting. They should get a reaction from last week but it's not guaranteed against a buoyant home side.
Verdict: Dublin
