A look at this weekend's hurling matches

Tomorrow

(2.30pm unless stated).

Allianz NHL Division One

Dublin v Cork, Parnell Park– All the top managers will be keeping a close eye on Cork. Signs are the Rebels are making up on ground lost in the strike season with alarming economy. They left Walsh Park feeling justifiably frustrated they let slip their grip on a good away win and will seek atonement against Anthony Daly's side.

Denis Walsh has made seven changes which indicate an attacking mindset. Cork have pace and athleticism to burn in the midfield partnership of Tom Kenny and Cathal Naughton. Donal Óg Cusack returns to orchestrate proceedings from the goalmouth.

Michael Cussen showed he is more than the tallest elite hurler in Ireland: his 2-2 last week had more to do with his touch than his physique. There is a growing sense the big man could have a big impact on the championship and, along with Aisake Ó hAilpín, Cussen gives the Cork attack a powerful and novel dimension. Aidan Ryan makes his league debut at right-half back.

Dublin have hurled encouragingly so far but the defeat to Offaly was costly and they find themselves pre-occupied with thoughts of relegation. That brings its own pressure. A home win is achievable but Cork are going smoothly and should consolidate their position as leaders.

Kilkenny v Galway, Nowlan Park– This is a dry run of the rivalry that helped to ignite the Leinster championship last year. But with Galway's Portumna contingent yet to return and Henry Shefflin sitting this one out, both managers are holding their cards close.

A habit of drifting through entire chunks of matches is the habit Galway must break. They had amassed 1-19 against Offaly last week by the 50th minute but added only three points in the remainder of the match. Still, they are working hard and Adrian Harte is having a significant spring campaign, enhancing the attacking options.

This would be a big scalp for John McIntyre’s team and with JJ Delaney still on the sick list and Kilkenny already defeated twice they will throw everything at it.

Options are always Kilkenny’s chief weapon, however.

With James “Cha” Fitzpatrick and TJ Reid back on the team, a home win is the more likely outcome.

Offaly v Limerick, Tullamore– Joe Dooley has quietly gone about the business of rebuilding Offaly and chief among his ambitions will be to retain Division One status.

This match comes at a perfect time for the Faithful County. They play in spurts at the moment and are making too many elementary errors but their resounding fight-back against Dublin a fortnight ago was suggestive of a happy and motivated squad.

With Limerick still fielding something of a ghost team, Offaly will be heavy favourites to pick up their second win of the campaign.

Justin McCarthy’s men will have to remember their opening quarter against Waterford, when they built a seven-point lead rather than the eventual collapse. The team has played with tremendous bravery through the tension of the past few months and will not show up simply to make up the numbers. But Offaly should do the necessary.

Tipperary v Waterford, Thurles– Liam Sheedy has restored seven first-choice players for what should be an exciting match. Timmy Hammersley has made the move from the edge of the Tipperary under-21 team last year to fitting in nicely with the senior team after his sensational performances in the Fitzgibbon Cup and it will be interesting to see how he operates in an attack bolstered by the return of Lar Corbett and Noel McGrath.

Waterford will travel to Semple Stadium in a positive mood after their never-say-die draw against Cork. The pyrotechnic display from Eoin Kelly was worth the admission price but Davy Fitzgerald will not want to depend on another 1-17 haul from the Mount Sion man. Still, with veteran men like Tony Browne and Ken McGrath reporting back for another season of duty and John Mullane making an appearance off the bench last week, the signs are Waterford are gearing up for another defiant, buck-the-odds season. But consistency has been Tipperary’s chief virtue under Liam Sheedy and they can press on here.

NHL Division Two

Carlow v Clare, Dr Cullen Park– Fascinating tie between the favourites for promotion and a county that is pushing hard. Carlow's win over Wexford last week has upset the anticipated order of this division. Shane Kavanagh, in splendid form at full back, will pick up either Darach Honan or Alan Markham.

Clare will note that nine of Carlow’s 16 points against Wexford came from frees – forcing the home team to land points from open play is certain to be high on their agenda.

A win here is imperative for Clare as the table is rather claustrophobic around the top.

Down v Laois, Portaferry– Laois have been putting up big scores. They posted 2-19 against Antrim on their last visit north a fortnight ago. This match ought to keep their promotion hopes alive and well.

Niall Rigney said he is not sure if his team are quite ready for the rigours of Division One. It was a fair point but they are travelling well, with the in-form Willie Hyland leading their scoring charge and Darren Maher outstanding in defence. Still. Down recorded a good win over Westmeath a week ago and, led by Paul Braniff, will seek to build on that here.

Westmeath v Antrim, Cusack Park, 12.45pm– Dinny Cahill probably targeted a home win against Clare last weekend but his team fell by one point, with scores hard to come by in the closing quarter. That was their second loss in a row, with Laois also managing full points at Casement Park. They can get their campaign back on track here against a Westmeath side who are struggling.

Wexford v Kildare, Wexford Park– It is imperative Colm Bonnar's team responds to their setback against Carlow with a good performance. After earning a good draw away to Clare, the muted display against Carlow leaves them in a critical position. Derek Lyng, on dead-ball duties, has been a key figure in the Wexford attack but overall the unit has been slow-burning; only Westmeath and Antrim have scored fewer goals in this division.

Kildare are making in-roads under Andy Comerford but anything other than a win would be a huge setback for Wexford.