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Allianz Hurling League big guns bid for semi-final spots

15/1/2017 Kilkennys manager brian cody pic Seamus Loughran
15/1/2017 Kilkennys manager brian cody pic Seamus Loughran 15/1/2017 Kilkennys manager brian cody pic Seamus Loughran

Allianz HL Division One quarter-finals

Offaly v Tipperary

(Sunday, O’Connor Park, 4pm)

OFFALY lost their first four games but claimed a two-point win over Kerry in round five, which was enough to secure a quarter-final place. That’s not ideal preparation for a game against the best team in the country and the result is not in doubt here, just Tipperary’s winning margin.

Odds: H: 16/1 D: 33/1 A: 1/100

Verdict: Tipperary

Cork v Limerick

(Sunday, Páirc Uí Rinn, 4pm)

CORK looked set for a relegation play-off before finishing with eye-catching wins over Waterford and Tipperary, Patrick Horgan hitting 15 points in the latter. Limerick lost their big duels against Wexford and Galway in 1B, and it’s hard to see John Kiely’s side reaching the last four.

Odds: H:8/13 D: 9/1 A: 13/8

Verdict: Cork

Galway v Waterford

(Sunday, Pearse Stadium, 4pm)

GALWAY have won three games in a row in 1B while Waterford went WLWLW in their five games in 1A. The Tribesmen won the coin toss to host this fixture and that, coupled with their recent good form, may just swing this in their favour against a Waterford side that has reached the last two finals.

Odds: H: 4/5 D: 8/1 A: 11/8

Verdict: Galway

Kilkenny v Wexford

(Sunday, Nowlan Park, 4pm)

WEXFORD’S 100 per cent record faces the acid test at Nowlan Park tomorrow, and the fact that Davy Fitzgerald has made seven changes suggests that a semi-final place isn’t of massive importance to him. Brian Cody’s side cranked up through the gears as the League progressed, and their draw with Tipperary was an epic encounter for this time of the year. They should continue to motor forward on home soil.

Odds: H: 1/4 D: 12/1 A: 7/2

Verdict: Kilkenny

Allianz HL Division 1A relegation play-off

Clare v Dublin

(Sunday, Cusack Park, 4pm)

CLARE may be unfortunate to be in this position, their poor last quarter against Waterford proving crucial, but they should be able to wiggle their way out of it. Dublin have looked sharp at times, but Division 1B beckons for Ger Cunningham’s men.

Odds: H: 1/2 D: 10/1 A: 2/1

Verdict: Clare

Allianz HL Division 1B relegation play-off

Laois v Kerry

(Saturday, Portlaoise, 7pm)

LAOIS conceded, on average, three goals a game during the League, and their leaky defence could cost them here against the Kingdom.

Odds: H: 4/7 D: 8/1 A: 7/4

Verdict: Kerry

Allianz HL Division 2B final

Meath v Wicklow

(Saturday, Parnell Park, 5pm)

MEATH have really pushed on from their Christy Ring success and enter the match with five wins from five. They eased past Wicklow last month, and should repeat the dose.

Odds: Meath: 4/11 D: 10/1 Wicklow: 12/5

Verdict: Meath

Allianz HL Division 2B Relegation Play-off

Mayo v Roscommon

(Saturday, MacHale Park, 5pm)

BOTH these sides suffered narrow losses throughout the League, but it’s Mayo that looked the more capable of the two. They have already recorded a win over the Rossies this season.

Odds: H: 4/9 D: 10/1 A: 2/1

Verdict: Mayo